August 15 - Morning
When Baruch son of Neriah wrote on a scroll the words Jeremiah the prophet dictated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, Jeremiah said this to Baruch:
'This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch:
You said, ‘Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.’
But the Lord has told me to say to you, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth. Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them! For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.’
- Jeremiah 45
'This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch:
You said, ‘Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.’
But the Lord has told me to say to you, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth. Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them! For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.’
- Jeremiah 45
A Personal Prophecy for Jeremiah's Scribe
It appears that the scribe Baruch son of Neriah was not only a professionally trained scribe, but was in the upper class and, was likely, a royal scribe of King Josiah that had been appointed to assist Jeremiah and record his prophecies.(click map)
The events in the year 605 BC where monumental in the history of the Middle East. In 609 BC Nebuchadnezzar had defeated the Assyrian Empire at Carchemish, but Pharaoh Neco had come out of Egypt to drive Nebuchadnezzar back into Babylon. Now four years later in 605 Nebuchadnezzar, who was still the general of his father’s military forces, returns in early August to Syria and, in a surprise attack, defeats Pharaoh Neco at Carchemish. (2 Kings 24:1) Nebuchadnezzar sweeps through Syria, Phoenicia and Israel as he drives Neco back across the Egyptian border. On August 16 Nebuchadnezzar’s father, the Babylonian king Nebopolazzar dies. When news reaches Nebuchadnezzar he immediately returns to Babylon, but not until he has given orders for royal captives (including Daniel, Daniel 1:1-13; Jeremiah 46:2; Jeremiah 52:28-30) from each of the countries he has defeated, be to taken back to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar is back in Babylon by September 7.
It is in the midst of the turmoil of this year that the Lord speaks to Baruch through Jeremiah concerning Baruch’s own ambitions, life plans and fears. It appears that the young man Baruch had personal plans that Jeremiah describes as “great things for yourself.” Baruch may have been planning of expanding his scribal skills into a business or seeking clients who could pay him a more lucrative salary than he earned as a public servant or working for the prophet Jeremiah. Whatever Baruch’s personal plans were, he is told in the year 605 to stop complaining. Baruch’s good life in the palace was upset when the good King Josiah was killed in 609 BC, and became worse now in 605 when King Jehoiakim had been taken as a temporary captive into Babylon along with the many members of the royal family. Many of these might have been friends of Baruch who will never return.
(For example, Baruch's brother, Seraiah, accompanied King Zedekiah to Babylon in 594 BC when Nebuchadnezzar desires to question Zedekiah concerning rumors of a Judean revolt: Jer. 51:59)
As Baruch writes the words Jeremiah is dictating concerning more national judgment in the near future, Baruch realizes his life is not going to be what he had grown to expect and his future was not going to be as he had planned. While Jeremiah was dictating Baruch either thought or said,
“Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.” – Jeremiah 45:3
And, the Lord responded to Baruch with a rebuke, a warning and a promise. Baruch was free to respond or rebel to Jeremiah’s words just like the people of Judah were. The Lord said to Baruch that day:
“I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth. Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them! For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.” – Jeremiah 45:4-5
The Lord was doing something bigger than Baruch's plans could handle. Baruch would have to adjust or perish.
(Baruch's seal impression has been found on a bulla - Images 1, 2. Details 1, 2.)
‘Ashah (Hb) - work (Eng) - The Hebrew word ‘ashah means “to make,” “to do” and “to create.” The general use of ‘ashah is to refer to the production of things.
Genesis 1:11 – ‘ashah fruit
Exodus 20:4 – ‘ashah images
Isaiah 44:17 – ‘ashah idols
Genesis 12:2 – ‘ashah Abram into a nation
Genesis 1:11 – ‘ashah fruit
Exodus 20:4 – ‘ashah images
Isaiah 44:17 – ‘ashah idols
Genesis 12:2 – ‘ashah Abram into a nation
I will encourage someone today.
Bible Reading Descriptions Here
Personal
Children's education
Church
Spiritual growth and production in church programs and activities
Nation
Social Justice
World
Libya
Tomb of Pharaoh's Daughter - This tomb is further south under the village of Silwan and is known as the Tomb of Pharaoh's Daughter. This tomb was cut during, or right after, the Hasmonean age but is unidentified. Originally this tomb, which looks like a small house, was topped with a pyramid roof cut from a single rock.
Sometime after 700 AD the pyramid roof was cut up into blocks to be reused. The process caused great damage to the tomb. More damage was caused by a hermit who used this tomb as a home. There was an ancient Hebrew inscription in the upper left corner of the entrance, but now only two letters remain. The rest of the inscription was destroyed when the hermit widened the doorway. (More tombs in the Kidron.)
Sometime after 700 AD the pyramid roof was cut up into blocks to be reused. The process caused great damage to the tomb. More damage was caused by a hermit who used this tomb as a home. There was an ancient Hebrew inscription in the upper left corner of the entrance, but now only two letters remain. The rest of the inscription was destroyed when the hermit widened the doorway. (More tombs in the Kidron.)
Diagram of the historically correct view of the Trinity.
(More teaching. False views of the Trinity.)
Someone to Quote
“We must be persuaded not only that as God once formed the world, so he sustains it by his boundless power, governs it by his wisdom, preserves it by his goodness, in particular, rules the human race with justice and judgment, bears with them in mercy, shields them by his protection; but also that not a particle of light, or wisdom, or justice, or power, or rectitude, or genuine truth, will anywhere be found, which does not flow from him, and of which he is not the cause; in this way we must learn to expect and ask all things from him, and thankfully ascribe to him whatever we receive. For this sense of the divine perfections is the proper master to teach us piety, out of which religion springs.”
– John Calvin in “Institutes of the Christian Religion” (read)
Something to Ponder
It is important to realize our limitations in our own personal knowledge of Greek but at the same time recognize the inexhaustible supply of resources we have available to study Greek. There has never been a time (like the 20th/21st century), in which so many accurate study tools written by well-trained Greek scholars have been readily available for a believer who wants to gain insight into God’s written revelation.
Here are some of the Greek study tools:
1. Greek Text – Scholars have worked through all the appropriate Greek manuscripts to produce the best Greek New Testament.
2. Greek/English Interlinear – A translator has taken the Greek text and translated each line word for word into English.
3. Greek Grammars – A textbook by a Greek teacher that takes you step by step through the process of learning the Greek language.
4. Greek Concordance – Scholars have taken every Greek word in the Greek New Testament and listed them in alphabetical order along with each of its Scripture references.
5. English Concordance – Each English word from a particular translation is listed alphabetically along each of its Scripture references.
6. Greek Lexicon – Is a dictionary, but also provides examples of how the word was used in other writings written during the time of the New Testament.
7. Greek Dictionary – A Greek Dictionary can provide a simple one-to-three word definition, which is good for a quick reference.
8. Greek Reference Sets – Are similar to commentaries but the author focuses on the exegetical work from the meaning of the Greek and linguistic insights.
9. Other Reference Tools – Other useful books are word study, lexical aids, linguistic keys, and reference works that help bring the Greek New Testament a little closer to the reader.
Here are some of the Greek study tools:
1. Greek Text – Scholars have worked through all the appropriate Greek manuscripts to produce the best Greek New Testament.
2. Greek/English Interlinear – A translator has taken the Greek text and translated each line word for word into English.
3. Greek Grammars – A textbook by a Greek teacher that takes you step by step through the process of learning the Greek language.
4. Greek Concordance – Scholars have taken every Greek word in the Greek New Testament and listed them in alphabetical order along with each of its Scripture references.
5. English Concordance – Each English word from a particular translation is listed alphabetically along each of its Scripture references.
6. Greek Lexicon – Is a dictionary, but also provides examples of how the word was used in other writings written during the time of the New Testament.
7. Greek Dictionary – A Greek Dictionary can provide a simple one-to-three word definition, which is good for a quick reference.
8. Greek Reference Sets – Are similar to commentaries but the author focuses on the exegetical work from the meaning of the Greek and linguistic insights.
9. Other Reference Tools – Other useful books are word study, lexical aids, linguistic keys, and reference works that help bring the Greek New Testament a little closer to the reader.
Here’s a Fact
Ezekiel 2:10 says that the title of the scroll was written on both sides. This was done so the contents of the scroll can be identified even when it is rolled up. This practice was similar to putting the title of a book on its spine. According to Ezekiel 2:10 the title of Ezekiel’s scroll was “Words of Lament and Mourning and Woe.” The Dead Sea Scrolls followed the same practice when they would summarize the content on the inside of the scroll with a few words (or, the title) on the outside of the scroll. For example, one particular scroll from the Dead Sea discoveries had written on the outside, so that it could still be seen and read when the scroll was rolled up, was “The Manual of Discipline.”
Proverb
"All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast."
- Proverbs 15:15
- Proverbs 15:15
Coach’s Corner
Personal growth increases your personal potential. The failure to learn and the refusal to change is the rejection of increasing your opportunity for success.
1 Kings 21 New International Version (NIV)
Naboth’s Vineyard
21 Some time later there was an incident involving a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 2 Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth.”
3 But Naboth replied, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.”
4 So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat.
5 His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “Why are you so sullen? Why won’t you eat?”
6 He answered her, “Because I said to Naboth the Jezreelite, ‘Sell me your vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ But he said, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’”
7 Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
8 So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him. 9 In those letters she wrote:
“Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. 10 But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them bring charges that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.”
11 So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them. 12 They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people. 13 Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. 14 Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.”
15 As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead.” 16 When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard.
17 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite: 18 “Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He is now in Naboth’s vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it. 19 Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?’ Then say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’”
20 Ahab said to Elijah, “So you have found me, my enemy!”
“I have found you,” he answered, “because you have sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. 21 He says, ‘I am going to bring disaster on you. I will wipe out your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel—slave or free. 22 I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have aroused my anger and have caused Israel to sin.’
23 “And also concerning Jezebel the Lord says: ‘Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’
24 “Dogs will eat those belonging to Ahab who die in the city, and the birds will feed on those who die in the country.”
25 (There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, urged on by Jezebel his wife. 26 He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the Lord drove out before Israel.)
27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.
28 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite: 29 “Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son.”
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Naboth’s Vineyard
21 Some time later there was an incident involving a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 2 Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth.”
3 But Naboth replied, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.”
4 So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat.
5 His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “Why are you so sullen? Why won’t you eat?”
6 He answered her, “Because I said to Naboth the Jezreelite, ‘Sell me your vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ But he said, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’”
7 Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
8 So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him. 9 In those letters she wrote:
“Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. 10 But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them bring charges that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.”
11 So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them. 12 They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people. 13 Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. 14 Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.”
15 As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead.” 16 When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard.
17 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite: 18 “Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He is now in Naboth’s vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it. 19 Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?’ Then say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’”
20 Ahab said to Elijah, “So you have found me, my enemy!”
“I have found you,” he answered, “because you have sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. 21 He says, ‘I am going to bring disaster on you. I will wipe out your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel—slave or free. 22 I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have aroused my anger and have caused Israel to sin.’
23 “And also concerning Jezebel the Lord says: ‘Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’
24 “Dogs will eat those belonging to Ahab who die in the city, and the birds will feed on those who die in the country.”
25 (There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, urged on by Jezebel his wife. 26 He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the Lord drove out before Israel.)
27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.
28 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite: 29 “Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son.”
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Zechariah 6 New International Version (NIV)
Four Chariots
6 I looked up again, and there before me were four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. 2 The first chariot had red horses, the second black, 3 the third white, and the fourth dappled—all of them powerful. 4 I asked the angel who was speaking to me, “What are these, my lord?”
5 The angel answered me, “These are the four spirits of heaven, going out from standing in the presence of the Lord of the whole world. 6 The one with the black horses is going toward the north country, the one with the white horses toward the west, and the one with the dappled horses toward the south.”
7 When the powerful horses went out, they were straining to go throughout the earth. And he said, “Go throughout the earth!” So they went throughout the earth.
8 Then he called to me, “Look, those going toward the north country have given my Spirit rest in the land of the north.”
A Crown for Joshua
9 The word of the Lord came to me: 10 “Take silver and gold from the exiles Heldai, Tobijah and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon. Go the same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah. 11 Take the silver and gold and make a crown, and set it on the head of the high priest, Joshua son of Jozadak. 12 Tell him this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the Lord. 13 It is he who will build the temple of the Lord, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two.’ 14 The crown will be given to Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah and Hen son of Zephaniah as a memorial in the temple of the Lord. 15 Those who are far away will come and help to build the temple of the Lord, and you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the Lord your God.”
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Four Chariots
6 I looked up again, and there before me were four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. 2 The first chariot had red horses, the second black, 3 the third white, and the fourth dappled—all of them powerful. 4 I asked the angel who was speaking to me, “What are these, my lord?”
5 The angel answered me, “These are the four spirits of heaven, going out from standing in the presence of the Lord of the whole world. 6 The one with the black horses is going toward the north country, the one with the white horses toward the west, and the one with the dappled horses toward the south.”
7 When the powerful horses went out, they were straining to go throughout the earth. And he said, “Go throughout the earth!” So they went throughout the earth.
8 Then he called to me, “Look, those going toward the north country have given my Spirit rest in the land of the north.”
A Crown for Joshua
9 The word of the Lord came to me: 10 “Take silver and gold from the exiles Heldai, Tobijah and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon. Go the same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah. 11 Take the silver and gold and make a crown, and set it on the head of the high priest, Joshua son of Jozadak. 12 Tell him this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the Lord. 13 It is he who will build the temple of the Lord, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two.’ 14 The crown will be given to Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah and Hen son of Zephaniah as a memorial in the temple of the Lord. 15 Those who are far away will come and help to build the temple of the Lord, and you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the Lord your God.”
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Jeremiah 30 New International Version (NIV)
Restoration of Israel
30 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you. 3 The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their ancestors to possess,’ says the Lord.”
4 These are the words the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah: 5 “This is what the Lord says:
“‘Cries of fear are heard— terror, not peace.
6
Ask and see: Can a man bear children? Then why do I see every strong man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor, every face turned deathly pale?
7
How awful that day will be! No other will be like it. It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it.
8
“‘In that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘I will break the yoke off their necks and will tear off their bonds; no longer will foreigners enslave them.
9
Instead, they will serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.
10
“‘So do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel,’ declares the Lord. ‘I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid.
11
I am with you and will save you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.’
12 “This is what the Lord says:
“‘Your wound is incurable, your injury beyond healing.
13
There is no one to plead your cause, no remedy for your sore, no healing for you.
14
All your allies have forgotten you; they care nothing for you. I have struck you as an enemy would and punished you as would the cruel, because your guilt is so great and your sins so many.
15
Why do you cry out over your wound, your pain that has no cure? Because of your great guilt and many sins I have done these things to you.
16
“‘But all who devour you will be devoured; all your enemies will go into exile. Those who plunder you will be plundered; all who make spoil of you I will despoil.
17
But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.’
18 “This is what the Lord says:
“‘I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place.
19
From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained.
20
Their children will be as in days of old, and their community will be established before me; I will punish all who oppress them.
21
Their leader will be one of their own; their ruler will arise from among them. I will bring him near and he will come close to me— for who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?’ declares the Lord.
22
“‘So you will be my people, and I will be your God.’”
23
See, the storm of the Lord will burst out in wrath, a driving wind swirling down on the heads of the wicked.
24
The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In days to come you will understand this.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Restoration of Israel
30 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you. 3 The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their ancestors to possess,’ says the Lord.”
4 These are the words the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah: 5 “This is what the Lord says:
“‘Cries of fear are heard— terror, not peace.
6
Ask and see: Can a man bear children? Then why do I see every strong man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor, every face turned deathly pale?
7
How awful that day will be! No other will be like it. It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it.
8
“‘In that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘I will break the yoke off their necks and will tear off their bonds; no longer will foreigners enslave them.
9
Instead, they will serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.
10
“‘So do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel,’ declares the Lord. ‘I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid.
11
I am with you and will save you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.’
12 “This is what the Lord says:
“‘Your wound is incurable, your injury beyond healing.
13
There is no one to plead your cause, no remedy for your sore, no healing for you.
14
All your allies have forgotten you; they care nothing for you. I have struck you as an enemy would and punished you as would the cruel, because your guilt is so great and your sins so many.
15
Why do you cry out over your wound, your pain that has no cure? Because of your great guilt and many sins I have done these things to you.
16
“‘But all who devour you will be devoured; all your enemies will go into exile. Those who plunder you will be plundered; all who make spoil of you I will despoil.
17
But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.’
18 “This is what the Lord says:
“‘I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place.
19
From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained.
20
Their children will be as in days of old, and their community will be established before me; I will punish all who oppress them.
21
Their leader will be one of their own; their ruler will arise from among them. I will bring him near and he will come close to me— for who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?’ declares the Lord.
22
“‘So you will be my people, and I will be your God.’”
23
See, the storm of the Lord will burst out in wrath, a driving wind swirling down on the heads of the wicked.
24
The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In days to come you will understand this.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.