May 5 - Evening
"After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Necho king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah marched out to meet him in battle. But Necho sent messengers to him, saying,
'What quarrel is there, king of Judah, between you and me? It is not you I am attacking at this time, but the house with which I am at war. God has told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or he will destroy you.'
Josiah, however, would not turn away from him, but disguised himself to engage him in battle. He would not listen to what Necho had said at God’s command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo.
Archers shot King Josiah, and he told his officers,
'Take me away; I am badly wounded.'
So they took him out of his chariot, put him in his other chariot and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died...Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah."
- Second Chronicles 35:21-25
'What quarrel is there, king of Judah, between you and me? It is not you I am attacking at this time, but the house with which I am at war. God has told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or he will destroy you.'
Josiah, however, would not turn away from him, but disguised himself to engage him in battle. He would not listen to what Necho had said at God’s command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo.
Archers shot King Josiah, and he told his officers,
'Take me away; I am badly wounded.'
So they took him out of his chariot, put him in his other chariot and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died...Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah."
- Second Chronicles 35:21-25
609-604 BC, Josiah Dies and 23 years of Disaster and Judgment Begin (609-586)
Josiah had been promised death before the coming of the disaster the Lord had vowed to bring on Jerusalem and the Temple. The prophetess Huldah spoke these words to the king's messengers in 2 Kings 22:20 because Josiah's heart had been humble and he responded by tearing his robes in repentance when he read the Book of the Law, or the Word of God in the book of Deuteronomy.
(2 Kings 22:14-20) Josiah was still trying to save Judah and lead them in the right way when he was fatally wounded on the Plains of Megiddo (Armageddon).
609 BC
Nebuchadnezzar
Assyria Falls
Josiah Dies
Josiah Dies
- Nabopolassar’s son, the crown prince and general, Nebuchadnezzar, defeats Assyria at Carchemish.
This is the death blow to the Assyrian Empire. - Josiah dies trying to prevent Pharaoh Neco from arriving at Carchemish to assist the collapsing Assyrians.
- Pharoah Neco drives General Nebuchadnezzar out of Carchemish. Carchemish is now an Egyptian stronghold.
608 BC
Jeremiah 22
Jeremiah 26-27
King Jehoahaz, King Jehoiakim
King Jehoahaz, King Jehoiakim
- Jehoahaz, Josiah’s evil 23 year old middle son, becomes king for 3 months.
- Jehoahaz goes up to Riblah on Orontes River and is put in chains by Pharaoh Neco.
- Jehoahaz is taken to Egypt and never returns.
- Neco makes Josiah’s oldest son, Jehoiakim, the king of Judah.
- Jeremiah is 40 years old.
- Daniel is 15 years old.
- Ezekiel is 14 years old.
- Jeremiah chapters 22, 26, 27 are written.
606 BC
Habakkuk
Habakkuk 1, 2, 3
Habakkuk 1, 2, 3
Habakkuk is written. Habakkuk speaks to God concerning the apparent unjustness of God’s prophecy to Habakkuk regarding the coming Babylonian invasion.
605 BC
Carchemish
Egypt Defeated
Nabopolassar Dies
Nebuchadnezzar takes Daniel captive
Nebuchadnezzar becomes king of Babylon
Egypt Defeated
Nabopolassar Dies
Nebuchadnezzar takes Daniel captive
Nebuchadnezzar becomes king of Babylon
- General Nebuchadnezzar returns to face Pharaoh Neco at Carchemish. Nebuchadnezzar moves up the east bank of the Euphrates early in August to surprise Neco.
- General Nebuchadnezzar drives Pharaoh Neco back into Egypt and takes control of the Middle East.
- August 16 Nabopolassar, Nebuchadnezzar’s father, dies. Nebuchadnezzar has to return quickly to Bablylon to claim the throne. He sets his newly acquired lands in order.
- First Captivity: Nebuchadnezzar also takes captives from the royal families of Judea, Phoenicia, Syria, Egypt, Philistia and others to insure no government revolts in his absence. The captives are sent to Babylon under heavily armed military.
- Nebuchadnezzar takes a personal escort and travels 580 miles back to Babylon in 3 weeks.
- Daniel is one of the royal children taken from Judea. Daniel is 18 years old.
- King Jehoiakim is taken captive but will be sent back to his throne as a vassal of Nebuchadnezzar.
- September 7, Nebuchadnezzar secures his throne in Babylon.
- October 1, Nebuchadnezzar is back in Syria leading his military.
604 BC
Jeremiah 45-49
Jeremiah 35-36
Jeremiah 25
Daniel Appears before Nebuchadnezzar
Statue Dream – Gold, Silver, Bronze, Iron & Clay
Daniel Appears before Nebuchadnezzar
Statue Dream – Gold, Silver, Bronze, Iron & Clay
- Jeremiah writes chapters 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 35, 36, 25.
- Jeremiah prophecies to Baruch, his scribe.
- Prophet Uriah flees and is captured and killed. (Jer. 26:20)
- Nebuchadnezzar returns to Babylon in February. While there he meets some of his royal captives including Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. (Daniel 1:1-20)
- Daniel is put into service in Nebuchadnezzar’s palace.
- Nebuchadnezzar has a dream of the statue with the head of gold. Daniel interprets the dream.
Hellen (Gr) – Greeks (Eng) – in the Greek language the word hellen referred to the descendants of the Grecian King Hellas (or, Hellen with two “L’s not the one “L” Helen of Troy) who was the son of Deucalion and Pyrrha who survived the flood sent by Zeus to wipe out mankind by climbing on a floating chest and riding it to the peak of Mount Parnassos.
The word hellen was used to distinguish Greeks from barbarians in Romans 1:14.
Eventually, the word hellen referred to any Gentile who spoke Greek which was the universal language, thus in some writers’ perspective hellen was used to identify all Gentiles: Romans 2:9-10; Galatians 2:3; Galatians 3:28; John 7:35; 1 Corinthians 10:32, 12:13.
The word hellen was used to distinguish Greeks from barbarians in Romans 1:14.
Eventually, the word hellen referred to any Gentile who spoke Greek which was the universal language, thus in some writers’ perspective hellen was used to identify all Gentiles: Romans 2:9-10; Galatians 2:3; Galatians 3:28; John 7:35; 1 Corinthians 10:32, 12:13.
Am I committed to serving God with my whole life for all my days?
I will follow God's Word as I do my part to advance his kingdom on earth.
I will live in righteousness until it is my time to be taken from my assignment here on earth.
Bible Reading Descriptions Here
Personal
Relationships at work
Church
Deliverance
Nation
Poor
World
Cuba
Toni points at the covering stone of the sacrificial altar located in the imitation temple, or the High Place, in Arad from 700 BC. This altar had been buried in the days of Hezekiah or Josaih to prevent its use in false worship.
(details)
(VIDEO of this Arad High Place of worship BELOW)
(details)
(VIDEO of this Arad High Place of worship BELOW)
Someone to Quote
“No other document in the possession of mankind offers so much to the reader – ethical and religious instruction, superb poetry, a social program and legal code, an interpretation of history, and all the joys, sorrows and hopes which well up in men and which Israel’s prophets and leaders expressed with matchless force and passion.”
– Gabriel Sivan
Something to Ponder
Around 250 BC the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament) were translated into Greek in Alexandria Egypt for the Jews who could no longer read Hebrew. This was one of the first major translations of a book in history.
Here’s a Fact
The tomb of Daniel is said to be in Susa. There is quite a colorful history that follows this tradition.
Proverb
"I would not obey my teachers or turn my ear to my instructors.
And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people.”
- Proverbs 5:13-14
And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people.”
- Proverbs 5:13-14
Coach’s Corner
Ultimately you are responsible for your attitude, your preparation, your direction and your desire. Being accountable means you find that opportunity and you get in position to have a chance.
2 Kings 22:14-20
New International Version (NIV)
14 Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Akbor, Shaphan and Asaiah went to speak to the prophet Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter.
15 She said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me, 16 ‘This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people, according to everything written in the book the king of Judah has read. 17 Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods and aroused my anger by all the idols their hands have made, my anger will burn against this place and will not be quenched.’ 18 Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: 19 Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. 20 Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’”
So they took her answer back to the king.
New International Version (NIV)
14 Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Akbor, Shaphan and Asaiah went to speak to the prophet Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter.
15 She said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me, 16 ‘This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people, according to everything written in the book the king of Judah has read. 17 Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods and aroused my anger by all the idols their hands have made, my anger will burn against this place and will not be quenched.’ 18 Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: 19 Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. 20 Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’”
So they took her answer back to the king.
Romans 2:9-10
New International Version (NIV)
9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
____
Galatians 2:3
New International Version (NIV)
3 Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.
____
Galatians 3:28
New International Version (NIV)
28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
____
John 7:35
New International Version (NIV)
35 The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we cannot find him? Will he go where our people live scattered among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?
____
1 Corinthians 10:32
New International Version (NIV)
32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—
____
1 Corinthians 12:13
New International Version (NIV)
13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
New International Version (NIV)
9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
____
Galatians 2:3
New International Version (NIV)
3 Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.
____
Galatians 3:28
New International Version (NIV)
28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
____
John 7:35
New International Version (NIV)
35 The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we cannot find him? Will he go where our people live scattered among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?
____
1 Corinthians 10:32
New International Version (NIV)
32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—
____
1 Corinthians 12:13
New International Version (NIV)
13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
1 Kings 10
New International Version (NIV)
The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon
10 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the Lord, she came to test Solomon with hard questions. 2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, 5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the Lord, she was overwhelmed.
6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. 8 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”
10 And she gave the king 120 talents of gold, large quantities of spices, and precious stones. Never again were so many spices brought in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
11 (Hiram’s ships brought gold from Ophir; and from there they brought great cargoes of almugwood and precious stones. 12 The king used the almugwood to make supports for the temple of the Lord and for the royal palace, and to make harps and lyres for the musicians. So much almugwood has never been imported or seen since that day.)
13 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for, besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned with her retinue to her own country.
Solomon’s Splendor
14 The weight of the gold that Solomon received yearly was 666 talents, 15 not including the revenues from merchants and traders and from all the Arabian kings and the governors of the territories.
16 King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. 17 He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold, with three minas of gold in each shield. The king put them in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.
18 Then the king made a great throne covered with ivory and overlaid with fine gold. 19 The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. On both sides of the seat were armrests, with a lion standing beside each of them. 20 Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like it had ever been made for any other kingdom. 21 All King Solomon’s goblets were gold, and all the household articles in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. Nothing was made of silver, because silver was considered of little value in Solomon’s days. 22 The king had a fleet of trading ships at sea along with the ships of Hiram. Once every three years it returned, carrying gold, silver and ivory, and apes and baboons.
23 King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. 24 The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. 25 Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, robes, weapons and spices, and horses and mules.
26 Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. 27 The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. 28 Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue—the royal merchants purchased them from Kue at the current price. 29 They imported a chariot from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. They also exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and of the Arameans.
New International Version (NIV)
The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon
10 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the Lord, she came to test Solomon with hard questions. 2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, 5 the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the Lord, she was overwhelmed.
6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. 8 How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”
10 And she gave the king 120 talents of gold, large quantities of spices, and precious stones. Never again were so many spices brought in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
11 (Hiram’s ships brought gold from Ophir; and from there they brought great cargoes of almugwood and precious stones. 12 The king used the almugwood to make supports for the temple of the Lord and for the royal palace, and to make harps and lyres for the musicians. So much almugwood has never been imported or seen since that day.)
13 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for, besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned with her retinue to her own country.
Solomon’s Splendor
14 The weight of the gold that Solomon received yearly was 666 talents, 15 not including the revenues from merchants and traders and from all the Arabian kings and the governors of the territories.
16 King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. 17 He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold, with three minas of gold in each shield. The king put them in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.
18 Then the king made a great throne covered with ivory and overlaid with fine gold. 19 The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. On both sides of the seat were armrests, with a lion standing beside each of them. 20 Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like it had ever been made for any other kingdom. 21 All King Solomon’s goblets were gold, and all the household articles in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. Nothing was made of silver, because silver was considered of little value in Solomon’s days. 22 The king had a fleet of trading ships at sea along with the ships of Hiram. Once every three years it returned, carrying gold, silver and ivory, and apes and baboons.
23 King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. 24 The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. 25 Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, robes, weapons and spices, and horses and mules.
26 Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. 27 The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. 28 Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Kue—the royal merchants purchased them from Kue at the current price. 29 They imported a chariot from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. They also exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and of the Arameans.
Psalm 23
New International Version (NIV)
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3
he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
____
Psalm 24
Of David. A psalm.
1
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
2
for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.
3
Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?
4
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.
5
They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior.
6
Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.
7
Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
8
Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
9
Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
10
Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory.
____
Psalm 47
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
1
Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
2
For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.
3
He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet.
4
He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.
5
God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.
6
Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7
For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.
8
God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.
9
The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.
____
Psalm 68
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. A song.
1
May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him.
2
May you blow them away like smoke— as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God.
3
But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.
4
Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the Lord.
5
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.
6
God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
7
When you, God, went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness,
8
the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.
9
You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.
10
Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor.
11
The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng:
12
“Kings and armies flee in haste; the women at home divide the plunder.
13
Even while you sleep among the sheep pens, the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold.”
14
When the Almighty scattered the kings in the land, it was like snow fallen on Mount Zalmon.
15
Mount Bashan, majestic mountain, Mount Bashan, rugged mountain,
16
why gaze in envy, you rugged mountain, at the mountain where God chooses to reign, where the Lord himself will dwell forever?
17
The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary.
18
When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious— that you, Lord God, might dwell there.
19
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
20
Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.
21
Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins.
22
The Lord says, “I will bring them from Bashan; I will bring them from the depths of the sea,
23
that your feet may wade in the blood of your foes, while the tongues of your dogs have their share.”
24
Your procession, God, has come into view, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary.
25
In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the young women playing the timbrels.
26
Praise God in the great congregation; praise the Lord in the assembly of Israel.
27
There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them, there the great throng of Judah’s princes, and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.
28
Summon your power, God; show us your strength, our God, as you have done before.
29
Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring you gifts.
30
Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may the beast bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war.
31
Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God.
32
Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord,
33
to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice.
34
Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens.
35
You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.
Praise be to God!
New International Version (NIV)
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3
he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
____
Psalm 24
Of David. A psalm.
1
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
2
for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.
3
Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?
4
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.
5
They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior.
6
Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.
7
Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
8
Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
9
Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
10
Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory.
____
Psalm 47
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.
1
Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
2
For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.
3
He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet.
4
He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.
5
God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.
6
Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7
For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.
8
God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.
9
The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.
____
Psalm 68
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. A song.
1
May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him.
2
May you blow them away like smoke— as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God.
3
But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.
4
Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the Lord.
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A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.
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God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
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When you, God, went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness,
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the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.
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You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.
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Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor.
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The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng:
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“Kings and armies flee in haste; the women at home divide the plunder.
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Even while you sleep among the sheep pens, the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold.”
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When the Almighty scattered the kings in the land, it was like snow fallen on Mount Zalmon.
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Mount Bashan, majestic mountain, Mount Bashan, rugged mountain,
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why gaze in envy, you rugged mountain, at the mountain where God chooses to reign, where the Lord himself will dwell forever?
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The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary.
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When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious— that you, Lord God, might dwell there.
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Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
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Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.
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Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins.
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The Lord says, “I will bring them from Bashan; I will bring them from the depths of the sea,
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that your feet may wade in the blood of your foes, while the tongues of your dogs have their share.”
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Your procession, God, has come into view, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary.
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In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the young women playing the timbrels.
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Praise God in the great congregation; praise the Lord in the assembly of Israel.
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There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them, there the great throng of Judah’s princes, and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.
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Summon your power, God; show us your strength, our God, as you have done before.
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Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring you gifts.
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Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may the beast bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war.
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Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God.
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Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord,
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to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice.
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Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens.
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You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.
Praise be to God!