Day 228 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 16 August 2023 reflections
Day 228, 16 August 2023
1) Jeremiah 38,39,40, Psalms 74,79
Jeremiah 38
Jeremiah Thrown Into a Cistern
1 Now Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashhur,
and Jukal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malkijah
heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken to all the people, saying:
2 (Jer 34:17; 39:18) Thus says the Lord: He who remains in this city
will die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence. But he who goes
out to the Chaldeans shall live, for he shall have his life as plunder,
and shall live.
3 (Jer 21:10; 32:3-5) Thus says the Lord: This city shall surely be given
into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, and he will capture it.
4 (Jer 26:11; Ex 5:4) Therefore the officials said to the king, "We beseech
you, let this man be put to death, for he thus weakens the hands
of the men of war who remain in this city and the hands of all the people,
in speaking such words to them; for this man does not seek the welfare
of this people, but their harm."
5 (2Sa 3:39) Then Zedekiah the king said, "Here he is; he is in your hand;
for the king cannot do anything against you."
6 (Jer 37:16; 37:21) Then they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern
of Malkijah the son of Hammelech that was in the court of the prison,
and they let Jeremiah down with cords. And in the cistern there was
no water, only mud, so Jeremiah sank in the mud.
7 (Jer 29:2; 37:13) Now Ebed-Melek the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs
who was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the cistern.
Now the king was sitting in the Gate of Benjamin.
8 Ebed-Melek went forth out of the king's house and spoke to the king, saying,
9 (Jer 52:6) "My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have
done to Jeremiah the prophet whom they have cast into the cistern.
And he will die by hunger in the place where he is,
for there is no more bread in the city."
10 Then the king commanded Ebed-Melek the Ethiopian, saying,
"Take thirty men with you from here and take up Jeremiah the prophet
out of the cistern before he dies."
11 So Ebed-Melek took the men under his authority
and went into the house of the king under the storeroom
and took from there worn-out clothes and worn-out rags and let them down
by cords into the cistern to Jeremiah.
12 Then Ebed-Melek the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, "Now put these
worn-out clothes and worn-out rags under your armpits under the cords,"
so Jeremiah did accordingly.
13 (Jer 37:21; Ac 23:35) Then they drew Jeremiah up with cords and took him up
out of the cistern, and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.
Jeremiah Warns Zedekiah Again
14 (1Sa 3:17-18; 1Ki 22:16) Then Zedekiah the king sent and had Jeremiah
the prophet brought to him at the third entrance that is in the house
of the Lord. And the king said to Jeremiah, "I will ask you something; hide
nothing from me."
15 (Lk 22:67-68) Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, "If I declare it to you,
shall you not surely put me to death? And if I give you counsel,
you will not listen to me."
16 (Isa 57:16; Jer 37:17) So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah,
saying, "As the Lord lives, who made our souls, I surely will not put you
to death, nor will I give you into the hand of these men who seek your life."
17 (Jer 27:12; 38:2) Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, "Thus says the Lord,
the God of Hosts, the God of Israel: If you will surrender to the officers
of the king of Babylon, then your soul will live and this city will not be
burned with fire. Thus you and your household will live.
18 (Jer 38:3; 2Ki 25:4-10) But if you do not surrender to the king
of Babylon's officials, then this city will be given into the hand
of the Chaldeans, and they will burn it with fire, and you will not escape
out of their hand."
19 (Jn 12:42; Isa 51:12-13) Then Zedekiah the king said to Jeremiah,
"I am afraid of the Jews who have fallen over to the Chaldeans, l
est they deliver me into their hand and mock me."
20 (Isa 55:3; 2Ch 20:20) But Jeremiah said, "They will not deliver you.
Please obey the voice of the Lord which I speak to you, so it will be
well with you and your soul will live.
21 But if you refuse to surrender, this is the word
that the Lord has shown me:
22 (Jer 20:10; 43:6) Then all the women who are left in the house
of the king of Judah will be brought out to the officers of the king
of Babylon; and those women shall say:
'Your friends have misled
and prevailed against you;
while your feet were sunk in the mud,
they turned back.'
23 (Jer 41:10; 38:18) "So they will bring out all your wives
and your children to the Chaldeans. And you will not escape out of their hand,
but will be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon; and you will cause this
city to be burned with fire."
24 Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, "Let no man know of these words,
and you will not die.
25 (Jer 38:4-6; 38:27) But if the officials hear that I have talked with you
and they come to you and say to you, 'Declare to us now what you said
to the king and what the king said to you; do not hide it from us
and we will not put you to death,'
26 (Jer 37:20; 37:15) then you will say to them, 'I presented my supplication
before the king, that he would not cause me to return to the house
of Jonathan, to die there.' "
27 Then all the officials came to Jeremiah and asked him.
And he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded;
so they stopped speaking with him, for the matter was not overheard.
28 (Jer 37:21; 39:14) So Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison
until the day that Jerusalem was captured.
Jeremiah 38
[1] Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and
Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words
that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,
[2] Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the
sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the
Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.
[3] Thus saith the LORD, This city shall surely be given into the hand of
the king of Babylon's army, which shall take it.
[4] Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man
be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that
remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words
unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.
[5] Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the
king is not he that can do any thing against you.
[6] Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the
son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down
Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so
Jeremiah sunk in the mire.
[7] Now when Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the
king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then
sitting in the gate of Benjamin;
[8] Ebed-melech went forth out of the king's house, and spake to the king,
saying,
[9] My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to
Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like
to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in
the city.
[10] Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from
hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the
dungeon, before he die.
[11] So Ebed-melech took the men with him, and went into the house of the
king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten
rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.
[12] And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old
cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And
Jeremiah did so.
[13] So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the
dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.
[14] Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him
into the third entry that is in the house of the LORD: and the king said
unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me.
[15] Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou
not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not
hearken unto me?
[16] So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD
liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I
give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.
[17] Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of
hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of
Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be
burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house:
[18] But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then
shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn
it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.
[19] And Zedekiah the king said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that
are fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they
mock me.
[20] But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee,
the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto
thee, and thy soul shall live.
[21] But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath
shewed me:
[22] And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah's house
shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon's princes, and those women
shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee:
thy feet are sunk in the mire, and they are turned away back.
[23] So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the
Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken
by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be
burned with fire.
[24] Then said Zedekiah unto Jeremiah, Let no man know of these words, and
thou shalt not die.
[25] But if the princes hear that I have talked with thee, and they come
unto thee, and say unto thee, Declare unto us now what thou hast said unto
the king, hide it not from us, and we will not put thee to death; also what
the king said unto thee:
[26] Then thou shalt say unto them, I presented my supplication before the
king, that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan's house, to die there.
[27] Then came all the princes unto Jeremiah, and asked him: and he told
them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they left
off speaking with him; for the matter was not perceived.
[28] So Jeremiah abode in the court of the prison until the day that
Jerusalem was taken: and he was there when Jerusalem was taken.
Jeremiah 39:1
1 (Jer 52:4-7; Eze 24:1-2) In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah,
in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army
came against Jerusalem and besieged it.
[1] In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came
Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they
beseiged it.
2 In the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day
of the month, the city wall was broken up.
3 (Jer 21:4; 38:17) All the officials of the king of Babylon entered
and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-Sharezer, Samgar-Nebo,
Sarsekim the Rabsaris,[Possibly Chief of Staff.]
Nergal-Sharezer the Rabmag,[Possibly the high official.]
and all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon.
4 (2Ch 32:5; Am 2:14) When Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them
and all the men of war, then they fled and went out of the city
by night, by way of the king's garden, by the gate between the two walls.
And he went out the way of the Arabah.
5 (2Ki 23:33; Jos 5:10) But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them
and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. And when they had taken
him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah
in the land of Hamath, where he passed sentence on him.
6 (Jer 52:10; Dt 28:34) Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah
in Riblah before his eyes. Moreover, the king of Babylon slew all the nobles
of Judah.
7 (Eze 12:13; Jdg 16:21) He also put out Zedekiah's eyes
and bound him with chains to carry him to Babylon.
8 (Ne 1:3; Jer 21:10) The Chaldeans burned the king's house
and the houses of the people with fire and broke down the walls of Jerusalem.
9 (Jer 40:1; Ge 37:36) Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard
carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people
who remained in the city, and those who fell away, who fell to him,
with the rest of the people who remained.
10 (2Ki 25:12; Jer 40:7) But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left
behind in the land of Judah the poor people who had nothing,
and gave them vineyards and fields at that time.
[2] And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day
of the month, the city was broken up.
[3] And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the
middle gate, even Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarsechim, Rab-saris,
Nergal-sharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of
Babylon.
[4] And it came to pass, that when Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them, and
all the men of war, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night,
by the way of the king's garden, by the gate betwixt the two walls: and he
went out the way of the plain.
[5] But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the
plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he
gave judgment upon him.
[6] Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his
eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah.
[7] Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry
him to Babylon.
[8] And the Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people,
with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem.
[9] Then Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard carried away captive into
Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in the city, and those that
fell away, that fell to him, with the rest of the people that remained.
[10] But Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the
people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and
fields at the same time.
Jeremiah 39:11-18
he Lord Delivers Jeremiah
11 (Jer 15:21; Ac 24:23) Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave charge
concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying,
12 (Pr 16:7; Ps 105:14-15) "Take him and look after him, and do not harm him.
But do to him just as he says to you."
13 (Jer 39:3) So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, Nebushazban the
Rabsaris, Nergal-Sharezer the Rabmag, and all the chief officers of
the king of Babylon
14 (Jer 38:28; 2Ki 22:12) sent and took Jeremiah out of the court
of the prison and committed him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam,
the son of Shaphan, that he should take him home.
So he lived among the people.
15 Now the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah while he was shut up
in the court of the prison, saying:
16 (Da 9:12; Zec 1:6) Go and speak to Ebed-Melek the Ethiopian,
saying: Thus says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel:
I will bring My words upon this city for harm and not for good.
And they shall be accomplished in that day before you.
17 (Ps 41:1-2; 50:15) But I will deliver you in that day, says the Lord,
and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom
you are afraid.
18 (Jer 21:9; 38:2) For I will surely deliver you, and you will not fall
by the sword; but your life will be as plunder to you,
because you have put your trust in Me, says the Lord.
[11] Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to
Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard, saying,
[12] Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him
even as he shall say unto thee.
[13] So Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban,
Rab-saris, and Nergal-sharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon's
princes;
[14] Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and
committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he
should carry him home: so he dwelt among the people.
[15] Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in
the court of the prison, saying,
[16] Go and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD
of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city
for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day
before thee.
[17] But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not
be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid.
[18] For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword,
but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust
in me, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 40
Jeremiah 40:1-6
Jeremiah With Gedaliah the Governor
1 (Jer 31:15; Jos 18:25) The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord after
Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had
taken him bound in chains among all who were carried away captive of Jerusalem
and Judah who were being carried away captive to Babylon.
2 (Dt 29:24-28; Jer 22:8-9) The captain of the guard had taken Jeremiah,
and said to him: "The Lord your God has pronounced this disaster
upon this place.
3 (Ro 2:5; Jer 50:7) And the Lord has brought it and done according as He
has said. Because you have sinned against the Lord, and have not obeyed
His voice, therefore this thing has come upon you.
4 Now look, I am loosening you this day from the chains which are
on your hands. If it seems good to you to come with me to Babylon,
come and I will look well after you. But if it seems bad to you to come
with me into Babylon, never mind. See, all the land is before you.
Go wherever it seems good and right for you to go."
5 (Jer 39:14; 2Ki 8:7-9) Now while he was not yet going back, he said,
"Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan,
whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah,
and dwell with him among the people. Or go wherever it seems right
for you to go."
So the captain of the guard gave him rations and a gift and let him go.
6 (Jdg 20:1; Jer 39:14) Then Jeremiah went to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam
to Mizpah and lived with him among the people who were left in the land.
[1] The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, after that Nebuzar-adan
the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him
being bound in chains among all that were carried away captive of Jerusalem
and Judah, which were carried away captive unto Babylon.
[2] And the captain of the guard took Jeremiah, and said unto him, The LORD
thy God hath pronounced this evil upon this place.
[3] Now the LORD hath brought it, and done according as he hath said:
because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed his voice,
therefore this thing is come upon you.
[4] And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which were upon
thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come;
and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come
with me
into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land is before thee: whither it
seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go.
[5] Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah
the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made
governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or
go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the
guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.
[6] Then went Jeremiah unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and dwelt
with him among the people that were left in the land.
Jeremiah 40:7-16
Gedaliah Is Assassinated
2Ki 25:22-26
7 (Jer 39:10) Now all the captains of the forces which were in the fields,
they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah
the son of Ahikam governor in the land and had committed men to him,
and women, and children, and some of the poorest of the land who were not
carried away captive to Babylon.
8 (Jer 42:1; Dt 3:14; Jos 12:5) Then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,
even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan
the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth,
and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite,
and Jezaniah the son of a Maakathite, they and their men.
9 (Jer 27:11; 1Sa 20:16-17) Then Gedaliah the son of Ahikam,
the son of Shaphan swore to them and to their men, saying,
"Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land
and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.
10 (Jer 40:12; Dt 1:38) As for me, I will dwell at Mizpah to serve
the Chaldeans who will come to us. But you, gather wine
and summer fruits and oil, and put them in your vessels
and dwell in your cities that you have taken."
11 (Isa 16:4) Likewise, also all the Jews who were in Moab,
and among the Ammonites, and in Edom, and who were
in all the countries, heard that the king of Babylon had left
a remnant of Judah, and that he had set over them
Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan.
12 (Jer 43:5) Then all the Jews returned out of all places
wherever they were driven and came to the land of Judah,
to Gedaliah at Mizpah, and gathered very much wine
and summer fruits.
13 Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains
of the forces that were in the fields, came to Gedaliah at Mizpah,
14 (Jer 41:10; 2Sa 10:1-6; Jer 25:21) and said to him,
"Do you certainly know that Baalis, the king of the Ammonites,
has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay you?"
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam did not believe them.
15 (1Sa 26:8; 2Sa 21:17) Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke
to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, "Let me go, please,
and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah and no man shall know it.
Why should he slay you so that all the Jews who are gathered to you
should be scattered and the remnant in Judah perish?"
16 But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah,
"You shall not do this thing, for you speak falsely of Ishmael."
[7] Now when all the captains of the forces which were in the fields, even
they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son
of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed unto him men, and women,
and children, and of the poor of the land, of them that were not carried
away captive to Babylon;
[8] Then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah,
and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of
Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of a
Maachathite, they and their men.
[9] And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to
their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and
serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.
[10] As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah to serve the Chaldeans, which
will come unto us: but ye, gather ye wine, and summer fruits, and oil, and
put them in your vessels, and dwell in your cities that ye have taken.
[11] Likewise when all the Jews that were in Moab, and among the Ammonites,
and in Edom, and that were in all the countries, heard that the king of
Babylon had left a remnant of Judah, and that he had set over them Gedaliah
the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan;
[12] Even all the Jews returned out of all places whither they were driven,
and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, unto Mizpah, and gathered wine
and summer fruits very much.
[13] Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces
that were in the fields, came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,
[14] And said unto him, Dost thou certainly know that Baalis the king of the
Ammonites hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay thee? But Gedaliah
the son of Ahikam believed them not.
[15] Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly,
saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of
Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: wherefore should he slay thee, that all
the Jews which are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant
in Judah perish?
[16] But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah,
Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.
Psalms 74
A Contemplative Maskil of Asaph.
1 O God, why have You cast us off forever?
Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Remember Your congregation, which You have
purchased of old, the rod of Your inheritance, which You have redeemed,
this Mount Zion, where You have lived.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Move Your footsteps to the perpetual desolations,
to all the harm the enemy has done in the sanctuary.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place;
they set up their miracles for signs.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) They seem like men who lift up axes on a thicket of trees.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) But now they strike down its carved work altogether
with axes and hammers.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) They have cast fire into Your sanctuary;
they have defiled the dwelling place of Your name to the ground.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) They said in their hearts,
"Let us destroy them together."
They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) We do not see our signs;
there is no longer any prophet,
nor is there among us any who knows how long.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) O God, how long will the adversary scorn?
Will the enemy blaspheme Your name forever?
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Why do You withdraw Your hand, Your right hand?
Draw it out of Your bosom and destroy them!
12 For God is my King of old,
working salvation in the midst of the earth.
13 You divided the sea by Your strength;
You broke the heads of the dragons on the waters.
14 You crushed the heads of Leviathan in pieces,
and gave him for food to the people inhabiting the wilderness.
15 You split the fountain and the flood;
You dried up ever-flowing rivers.
16 The day is Yours, the night also is Yours;
You have prepared the light and the sun.
17 You have established all the borders of the earth;
You have made summer and winter.
18 Remember this, that the enemy has scorned, O Lord,
and that the foolish people have blasphemed Your name.
19 Do not give the life of Your turtledove to a wild animal;
do not forget the life of Your poor forever.
20 Have regard for the covenant;
for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of violence.
21 May the oppressed not return ashamed;
may the poor and needy praise Your name.
22 Arise, O God, plead Your own cause;
remember how the fool insults You daily.
23 Do not forget the voice of Your enemies,
the tumult of those who rise up against You continually.
Psalm 74
[1] O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke
against the sheep of thy pasture?
[2] Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of
thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou
hast dwelt.
[3] Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy
hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.
[4] Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their
ensigns for signs.
[5] A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick
trees.
[6] But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and
hammers.
[7] They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting
down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.
[8] They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have
burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.
[9] We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there
among us any that knoweth how long.
[10] O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme
thy name for ever?
[11] Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy
bosom.
[12] For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.
[13] Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: thou brakest the heads of
the dragons in the waters.
[14] Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, and gavest him to be
meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.
[15] Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood: thou driedst up mighty
rivers.
[16] The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light
and the sun.
[17] Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and
winter.
[18] Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the
foolish people have blasphemed thy name.
[19] O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the
wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.
[20] Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are
full of the habitations of cruelty.
[21] O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise
thy name.
[22] Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man
reproacheth thee daily.
[23] Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up
against thee increaseth continually.
Psalms 79
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance;
Your holy temple they have defiled;
they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) The dead bodies of Your servants
they have given to the birds of the sky for food
and the flesh of Your faithful to the animals of the land.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Their blood they have poured out like water
all around Jerusalem,
and there was no one to bury them.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) We have become a reproach to our neighbors,
a scorn and derision to those who are around us.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) How long, O Lord? Will You be angry forever?
Will Your jealousy burn like fire?
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Pour out Your wrath
upon the nations who do not know You,
and upon the kingdoms
who have not called upon Your name.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) For they have devoured Jacob,
and laid waste his dwelling place.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Do not choose to remember our former iniquities;
let Your tender mercies come swiftly to us,
for we are brought very low.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Help us, O God of our salvation,
for the glory of Your name;
deliver us, and purge away our sins,
for Your name's sake.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Why should the nations say,
"Where is their God?"
May the avenging of the shed blood of Your servants
be known among the nations before our eyes.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Let the groans of the prisoners come before You;
according to the greatness of Your power
preserve those who are appointed to die.
12 And render unto our neighbors sevenfold into their lap
the reproach that they have reproached You, O Lord.
13 But we are Your people, the sheep of Your pasture,
and will give You thanks forever;
we will declare Your praise
to all generations.
Psalm 79
A Psalm of Asaph.
[1] O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance;
Thy holy temple have they defiled; They have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
[2] The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto
the fowls of the heaven,
The flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.
[3] Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem;
And there was none to bury them.
[4] We are become a reproach to our neighbours,
A scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
[5] How long, LORD? Wilt thou be angry for ever?
Shall thy jealousy burn like fire?
[6] Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee,
And upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.
[7] For they have devoured Jacob,
And laid waste his dwelling place.
[8] O remember not against us former iniquities: Let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us:
For we are brought very low.
[9] Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name:
And deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.
[10] Wherefore should the heathen say,
Where is their God?
Let him be known among the heathen in our sight
By the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.
[11] Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee;
According to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;
[12] And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom
Their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
[13] So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever:
We will shew forth thy praise to all generations.
2) Our Daily Bread for 16 August 2023 titled
The Power of Persistence
Luke 18:1-8
Luke 18
The Parable of the Widow and the Judge
1 (Col 4:2; Ro 12:12) He told them a parable to illustrate
that it is necessary always to pray and not lose heart.
2 (Lk 18:4) He said: "In a city there was a judge who did not
fear God or regard man.
3 (Isa 1:17) And a widow was in that city. She came to him, saying,
'Avenge me against my adversary.'
4 "He would not for a while. Yet afterward he said to himself,
'Though I do not fear God or respect man,
5 (Lk 11:8) yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her,
lest by her continual coming she will weary me.' "
6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge says.
7 (Rev 6:10; Ps 88:1) And shall not God avenge His own elect
and be patient with them, who cry day and night to Him?
8 I tell you, He will avenge them speedily.
Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
[1] And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to
pray, and not to faint;
[2] Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither
regarded man:
[3] And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying,
Avenge me of mine adversary.
[4] And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself,
Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
[5] Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her
continual coming she weary me.
[6] And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
[7] And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto
him, though he bear long with them?
[8] I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son
of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
In 1917, a young seamstress was thrilled to get admitted to one of New York
City's most renowned fashion design schools. But when Ann Lowe Cone arrived
from Florida to register for classes, the school director told her she wasn't
welcome. "To be blunt, Mrs. Cone, we didn't know that you were a Negro," he
said. Refusing to leave, she whispered a prayer: Please let me stay here.
Seeing her persistence, the director let Ann stay, but segregated her from
the whites-only classroom leaving the back door open "for [her] to hear."
Undeniably talented, Ann still graduated six months early and attracted
high-society clients including former First Lady of the United States
Jacqueline Kennedy, whose world-famous wedding gown she designed. She made
the gown twice, seeking God's help after a pipe burst above her sewing
studio, ruining the first dress.
Persistence like that is powerful, especially in prayer. In Jesus' parable
of the persistent widow, a widow pleads repeatedly for justice from a corrupt
judge. At first, he refused her, but "because this widow keeps bothering me,
I will see that she gets justice" (Luke 18:5).
With far more love, "will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones,
who cry out to him day and night?" (v. 7). He will, said Jesus (v.
. As He
inspires us, let's seek to persistently pray and never give up. In His time
and perfect way, God will answer.
By: Patricia Raybon
Reflect & Pray
What helps you to be persistent in prayer?
What request will you keep pleading?
Dear Jesus, I thank You for answering my persistent prayers.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 4 - freedom from Fear
Psalms 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom will I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom will I be afraid?
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Marcy was afraid of the dark. As a child she slept with a nightlight on,
and even she matured, she still had a fear of dark places.
When she was at home alone, she kept all the lights on,
and a small lamp at her bedside glowed through the night.
The psalmist David reflects that common fear of darkness when he says
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?"
David does not say, "The Lord brings light," but "The Lord is my light".
God is the source of understanding and security in our lives.
He is the One who can expose and deal with our fears.
When we are afraid - afraid of losing a job or a loved one,
afraid of making mistakes, afraid of being hurt, afraid of what others may
say about us - we can turn to the Lord who can handle our fears.
He is a "stronghold", a fortress of protection around us,
and in him we are safe.
Often we turn to other places for our security - to the bank account,
to a spouse or loved one, to the approval of the world.
We mistakenly think that these sources can provide a foundation of defence
against uncertainty of life. But when we find that people disappoint us, money
loses its value, and the praise of others is fleeting,
we must turn again to the true source of security, God alone.
Application
a) What sources of security have I trusted in besides God?
What was the result of that trust?
b) In what ways have I depended upon God for my security?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 16:10-12
10 (Mt 25:21; Lk 19:17) "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful
also in much. And he who is dishonest in the least is dishonest also
in much.
11 So if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who will give you that which is your own?"
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much:
and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who shall give you that which is your own?
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Reconciling Peace
Col 3:12-17
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another
and forgive one another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone,
even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God,
to which also you are called in one body,
rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17 ) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20 ) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have
a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye
are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
New Brunswick
Total population 753900
Muslim population (est.) 4543
Moncton, followed by Fredericton and Saint John, each have a growing Muslim
population in New Brunswick, In 2007, the building that was formerly a Baptist
church was converted into Moncton's 1st mosque. The University of Moncton
also has a Muslim student association hosting prayer services, fellowship
getherings, and outreaches on campus.
Fredericton also has one mosque and a Muslim student association serving the
campuses of the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University.
Fredericton's Muslim population consists in 2014 of about 50 families,
and between 300 to 400 university students.
Saint John is home to the 1st Muslim Association for the province,
which also helped foster the Islamic associations of Fredericton and Moncton.
a 'musalla', or prayer location that is not officially structured as a mosque,
has been established in the Uptown area with the intention of seeing it grow
into a 2nd official place of Muslim worship. Demand for this new location has
been primarily for university students moving into the area.
Pray for Muslims and New Brunswick
- that the eyes of pastors, believers and entire congregations will be opened
to see this growing body of Muslims, and their hearts will be opened
to sharing God's love in Jesus Christ with them
- that intentional ministries to Muslims will grow and flourish in these
areas of concentration
- that cooperative CNNMM Networks will form to really, encourage,
and equip believers to lovingly reach Muslims in this province.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
And
Thank you for praying through the
5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.
"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager,
I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to
cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.
Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians
and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the
love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before.
One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by
light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.
As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and
confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution
to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.
Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction.
Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father
to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.
I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.
God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through
the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom
and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
ROMANS 15:13
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
16th Day of the Month
a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
( John 16:7-8
7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away.
For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment"
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away:
for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;
but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
)
b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
(
John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me."
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Rom 3:19-20
19 Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 Therefore by the works of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are
under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become
guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
2 Cor 5:10
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive his recompense in the body,
according to what he has done,
whether it was good or bad.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad.
2 Cor 10:5
5 casting down imaginations and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to ask Him for help under siege.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, I thank You for answering
my persistent prayers."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Thank Him from Freeing you from Fear.
Pray to the Lord and pray to bear with one another in community.
Pray to the Lord and rejoice in Him.
Pray for Muslims and New Brunswick
- that the eyes of pastors, believers and entire congregations will be opened
to see this growing body of Muslims, and their hearts will be opened
to sharing God's love in Jesus Christ with them
- that intentional ministries to Muslims will grow and flourish in these
areas of concentration
- that cooperative CNNMM Networks will form to really, encourage,
and equip believers to lovingly reach Muslims in this province.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
Pray that the Gospel will advance despite Libya's unstable political
situation.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Jeremiah 38,39,40, Psalms 74,79
Jeremiah 38
Jeremiah Thrown Into a Cistern
1 Now Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashhur,
and Jukal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malkijah
heard the words that Jeremiah had spoken to all the people, saying:
2 (Jer 34:17; 39:18) Thus says the Lord: He who remains in this city
will die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence. But he who goes
out to the Chaldeans shall live, for he shall have his life as plunder,
and shall live.
3 (Jer 21:10; 32:3-5) Thus says the Lord: This city shall surely be given
into the hand of the king of Babylon's army, and he will capture it.
4 (Jer 26:11; Ex 5:4) Therefore the officials said to the king, "We beseech
you, let this man be put to death, for he thus weakens the hands
of the men of war who remain in this city and the hands of all the people,
in speaking such words to them; for this man does not seek the welfare
of this people, but their harm."
5 (2Sa 3:39) Then Zedekiah the king said, "Here he is; he is in your hand;
for the king cannot do anything against you."
6 (Jer 37:16; 37:21) Then they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern
of Malkijah the son of Hammelech that was in the court of the prison,
and they let Jeremiah down with cords. And in the cistern there was
no water, only mud, so Jeremiah sank in the mud.
7 (Jer 29:2; 37:13) Now Ebed-Melek the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs
who was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the cistern.
Now the king was sitting in the Gate of Benjamin.
8 Ebed-Melek went forth out of the king's house and spoke to the king, saying,
9 (Jer 52:6) "My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have
done to Jeremiah the prophet whom they have cast into the cistern.
And he will die by hunger in the place where he is,
for there is no more bread in the city."
10 Then the king commanded Ebed-Melek the Ethiopian, saying,
"Take thirty men with you from here and take up Jeremiah the prophet
out of the cistern before he dies."
11 So Ebed-Melek took the men under his authority
and went into the house of the king under the storeroom
and took from there worn-out clothes and worn-out rags and let them down
by cords into the cistern to Jeremiah.
12 Then Ebed-Melek the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, "Now put these
worn-out clothes and worn-out rags under your armpits under the cords,"
so Jeremiah did accordingly.
13 (Jer 37:21; Ac 23:35) Then they drew Jeremiah up with cords and took him up
out of the cistern, and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.
Jeremiah Warns Zedekiah Again
14 (1Sa 3:17-18; 1Ki 22:16) Then Zedekiah the king sent and had Jeremiah
the prophet brought to him at the third entrance that is in the house
of the Lord. And the king said to Jeremiah, "I will ask you something; hide
nothing from me."
15 (Lk 22:67-68) Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, "If I declare it to you,
shall you not surely put me to death? And if I give you counsel,
you will not listen to me."
16 (Isa 57:16; Jer 37:17) So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah,
saying, "As the Lord lives, who made our souls, I surely will not put you
to death, nor will I give you into the hand of these men who seek your life."
17 (Jer 27:12; 38:2) Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, "Thus says the Lord,
the God of Hosts, the God of Israel: If you will surrender to the officers
of the king of Babylon, then your soul will live and this city will not be
burned with fire. Thus you and your household will live.
18 (Jer 38:3; 2Ki 25:4-10) But if you do not surrender to the king
of Babylon's officials, then this city will be given into the hand
of the Chaldeans, and they will burn it with fire, and you will not escape
out of their hand."
19 (Jn 12:42; Isa 51:12-13) Then Zedekiah the king said to Jeremiah,
"I am afraid of the Jews who have fallen over to the Chaldeans, l
est they deliver me into their hand and mock me."
20 (Isa 55:3; 2Ch 20:20) But Jeremiah said, "They will not deliver you.
Please obey the voice of the Lord which I speak to you, so it will be
well with you and your soul will live.
21 But if you refuse to surrender, this is the word
that the Lord has shown me:
22 (Jer 20:10; 43:6) Then all the women who are left in the house
of the king of Judah will be brought out to the officers of the king
of Babylon; and those women shall say:
'Your friends have misled
and prevailed against you;
while your feet were sunk in the mud,
they turned back.'
23 (Jer 41:10; 38:18) "So they will bring out all your wives
and your children to the Chaldeans. And you will not escape out of their hand,
but will be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon; and you will cause this
city to be burned with fire."
24 Then Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, "Let no man know of these words,
and you will not die.
25 (Jer 38:4-6; 38:27) But if the officials hear that I have talked with you
and they come to you and say to you, 'Declare to us now what you said
to the king and what the king said to you; do not hide it from us
and we will not put you to death,'
26 (Jer 37:20; 37:15) then you will say to them, 'I presented my supplication
before the king, that he would not cause me to return to the house
of Jonathan, to die there.' "
27 Then all the officials came to Jeremiah and asked him.
And he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded;
so they stopped speaking with him, for the matter was not overheard.
28 (Jer 37:21; 39:14) So Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison
until the day that Jerusalem was captured.
Jeremiah 38
[1] Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashur, and
Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashur the son of Malchiah, heard the words
that Jeremiah had spoken unto all the people, saying,
[2] Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the
sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the
Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.
[3] Thus saith the LORD, This city shall surely be given into the hand of
the king of Babylon's army, which shall take it.
[4] Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man
be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that
remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words
unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.
[5] Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the
king is not he that can do any thing against you.
[6] Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the
son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down
Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so
Jeremiah sunk in the mire.
[7] Now when Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the
king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then
sitting in the gate of Benjamin;
[8] Ebed-melech went forth out of the king's house, and spake to the king,
saying,
[9] My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to
Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like
to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in
the city.
[10] Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from
hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the
dungeon, before he die.
[11] So Ebed-melech took the men with him, and went into the house of the
king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten
rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.
[12] And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old
cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. And
Jeremiah did so.
[13] So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the
dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.
[14] Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him
into the third entry that is in the house of the LORD: and the king said
unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me.
[15] Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou
not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not
hearken unto me?
[16] So Zedekiah the king sware secretly unto Jeremiah, saying, As the LORD
liveth, that made us this soul, I will not put thee to death, neither will I
give thee into the hand of these men that seek thy life.
[17] Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of
hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of
Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be
burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house:
[18] But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then
shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn
it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.
[19] And Zedekiah the king said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that
are fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they
mock me.
[20] But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee,
the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto
thee, and thy soul shall live.
[21] But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath
shewed me:
[22] And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah's house
shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon's princes, and those women
shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee:
thy feet are sunk in the mire, and they are turned away back.
[23] So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the
Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken
by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be
burned with fire.
[24] Then said Zedekiah unto Jeremiah, Let no man know of these words, and
thou shalt not die.
[25] But if the princes hear that I have talked with thee, and they come
unto thee, and say unto thee, Declare unto us now what thou hast said unto
the king, hide it not from us, and we will not put thee to death; also what
the king said unto thee:
[26] Then thou shalt say unto them, I presented my supplication before the
king, that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan's house, to die there.
[27] Then came all the princes unto Jeremiah, and asked him: and he told
them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they left
off speaking with him; for the matter was not perceived.
[28] So Jeremiah abode in the court of the prison until the day that
Jerusalem was taken: and he was there when Jerusalem was taken.
Jeremiah 39:1
1 (Jer 52:4-7; Eze 24:1-2) In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah,
in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army
came against Jerusalem and besieged it.
[1] In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came
Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they
beseiged it.
2 In the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day
of the month, the city wall was broken up.
3 (Jer 21:4; 38:17) All the officials of the king of Babylon entered
and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-Sharezer, Samgar-Nebo,
Sarsekim the Rabsaris,[Possibly Chief of Staff.]
Nergal-Sharezer the Rabmag,[Possibly the high official.]
and all the rest of the officials of the king of Babylon.
4 (2Ch 32:5; Am 2:14) When Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them
and all the men of war, then they fled and went out of the city
by night, by way of the king's garden, by the gate between the two walls.
And he went out the way of the Arabah.
5 (2Ki 23:33; Jos 5:10) But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them
and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. And when they had taken
him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah
in the land of Hamath, where he passed sentence on him.
6 (Jer 52:10; Dt 28:34) Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah
in Riblah before his eyes. Moreover, the king of Babylon slew all the nobles
of Judah.
7 (Eze 12:13; Jdg 16:21) He also put out Zedekiah's eyes
and bound him with chains to carry him to Babylon.
8 (Ne 1:3; Jer 21:10) The Chaldeans burned the king's house
and the houses of the people with fire and broke down the walls of Jerusalem.
9 (Jer 40:1; Ge 37:36) Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard
carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people
who remained in the city, and those who fell away, who fell to him,
with the rest of the people who remained.
10 (2Ki 25:12; Jer 40:7) But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left
behind in the land of Judah the poor people who had nothing,
and gave them vineyards and fields at that time.
[2] And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day
of the month, the city was broken up.
[3] And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the
middle gate, even Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarsechim, Rab-saris,
Nergal-sharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of
Babylon.
[4] And it came to pass, that when Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them, and
all the men of war, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night,
by the way of the king's garden, by the gate betwixt the two walls: and he
went out the way of the plain.
[5] But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the
plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he
gave judgment upon him.
[6] Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his
eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah.
[7] Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry
him to Babylon.
[8] And the Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people,
with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem.
[9] Then Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard carried away captive into
Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in the city, and those that
fell away, that fell to him, with the rest of the people that remained.
[10] But Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the
people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and
fields at the same time.
Jeremiah 39:11-18
he Lord Delivers Jeremiah
11 (Jer 15:21; Ac 24:23) Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon gave charge
concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying,
12 (Pr 16:7; Ps 105:14-15) "Take him and look after him, and do not harm him.
But do to him just as he says to you."
13 (Jer 39:3) So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, Nebushazban the
Rabsaris, Nergal-Sharezer the Rabmag, and all the chief officers of
the king of Babylon
14 (Jer 38:28; 2Ki 22:12) sent and took Jeremiah out of the court
of the prison and committed him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam,
the son of Shaphan, that he should take him home.
So he lived among the people.
15 Now the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah while he was shut up
in the court of the prison, saying:
16 (Da 9:12; Zec 1:6) Go and speak to Ebed-Melek the Ethiopian,
saying: Thus says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel:
I will bring My words upon this city for harm and not for good.
And they shall be accomplished in that day before you.
17 (Ps 41:1-2; 50:15) But I will deliver you in that day, says the Lord,
and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom
you are afraid.
18 (Jer 21:9; 38:2) For I will surely deliver you, and you will not fall
by the sword; but your life will be as plunder to you,
because you have put your trust in Me, says the Lord.
[11] Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to
Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard, saying,
[12] Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him
even as he shall say unto thee.
[13] So Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban,
Rab-saris, and Nergal-sharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon's
princes;
[14] Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and
committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he
should carry him home: so he dwelt among the people.
[15] Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in
the court of the prison, saying,
[16] Go and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD
of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city
for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day
before thee.
[17] But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not
be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid.
[18] For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword,
but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust
in me, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 40
Jeremiah 40:1-6
Jeremiah With Gedaliah the Governor
1 (Jer 31:15; Jos 18:25) The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord after
Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had
taken him bound in chains among all who were carried away captive of Jerusalem
and Judah who were being carried away captive to Babylon.
2 (Dt 29:24-28; Jer 22:8-9) The captain of the guard had taken Jeremiah,
and said to him: "The Lord your God has pronounced this disaster
upon this place.
3 (Ro 2:5; Jer 50:7) And the Lord has brought it and done according as He
has said. Because you have sinned against the Lord, and have not obeyed
His voice, therefore this thing has come upon you.
4 Now look, I am loosening you this day from the chains which are
on your hands. If it seems good to you to come with me to Babylon,
come and I will look well after you. But if it seems bad to you to come
with me into Babylon, never mind. See, all the land is before you.
Go wherever it seems good and right for you to go."
5 (Jer 39:14; 2Ki 8:7-9) Now while he was not yet going back, he said,
"Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan,
whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah,
and dwell with him among the people. Or go wherever it seems right
for you to go."
So the captain of the guard gave him rations and a gift and let him go.
6 (Jdg 20:1; Jer 39:14) Then Jeremiah went to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam
to Mizpah and lived with him among the people who were left in the land.
[1] The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, after that Nebuzar-adan
the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him
being bound in chains among all that were carried away captive of Jerusalem
and Judah, which were carried away captive unto Babylon.
[2] And the captain of the guard took Jeremiah, and said unto him, The LORD
thy God hath pronounced this evil upon this place.
[3] Now the LORD hath brought it, and done according as he hath said:
because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed his voice,
therefore this thing is come upon you.
[4] And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which were upon
thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come;
and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come
with me
into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land is before thee: whither it
seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go.
[5] Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah
the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made
governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or
go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the
guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.
[6] Then went Jeremiah unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and dwelt
with him among the people that were left in the land.
Jeremiah 40:7-16
Gedaliah Is Assassinated
2Ki 25:22-26
7 (Jer 39:10) Now all the captains of the forces which were in the fields,
they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah
the son of Ahikam governor in the land and had committed men to him,
and women, and children, and some of the poorest of the land who were not
carried away captive to Babylon.
8 (Jer 42:1; Dt 3:14; Jos 12:5) Then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,
even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan
the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth,
and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite,
and Jezaniah the son of a Maakathite, they and their men.
9 (Jer 27:11; 1Sa 20:16-17) Then Gedaliah the son of Ahikam,
the son of Shaphan swore to them and to their men, saying,
"Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land
and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.
10 (Jer 40:12; Dt 1:38) As for me, I will dwell at Mizpah to serve
the Chaldeans who will come to us. But you, gather wine
and summer fruits and oil, and put them in your vessels
and dwell in your cities that you have taken."
11 (Isa 16:4) Likewise, also all the Jews who were in Moab,
and among the Ammonites, and in Edom, and who were
in all the countries, heard that the king of Babylon had left
a remnant of Judah, and that he had set over them
Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan.
12 (Jer 43:5) Then all the Jews returned out of all places
wherever they were driven and came to the land of Judah,
to Gedaliah at Mizpah, and gathered very much wine
and summer fruits.
13 Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains
of the forces that were in the fields, came to Gedaliah at Mizpah,
14 (Jer 41:10; 2Sa 10:1-6; Jer 25:21) and said to him,
"Do you certainly know that Baalis, the king of the Ammonites,
has sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay you?"
But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam did not believe them.
15 (1Sa 26:8; 2Sa 21:17) Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke
to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, "Let me go, please,
and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah and no man shall know it.
Why should he slay you so that all the Jews who are gathered to you
should be scattered and the remnant in Judah perish?"
16 But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah,
"You shall not do this thing, for you speak falsely of Ishmael."
[7] Now when all the captains of the forces which were in the fields, even
they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son
of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed unto him men, and women,
and children, and of the poor of the land, of them that were not carried
away captive to Babylon;
[8] Then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah,
and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of
Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of a
Maachathite, they and their men.
[9] And Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to
their men, saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and
serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.
[10] As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah to serve the Chaldeans, which
will come unto us: but ye, gather ye wine, and summer fruits, and oil, and
put them in your vessels, and dwell in your cities that ye have taken.
[11] Likewise when all the Jews that were in Moab, and among the Ammonites,
and in Edom, and that were in all the countries, heard that the king of
Babylon had left a remnant of Judah, and that he had set over them Gedaliah
the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan;
[12] Even all the Jews returned out of all places whither they were driven,
and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, unto Mizpah, and gathered wine
and summer fruits very much.
[13] Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces
that were in the fields, came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,
[14] And said unto him, Dost thou certainly know that Baalis the king of the
Ammonites hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay thee? But Gedaliah
the son of Ahikam believed them not.
[15] Then Johanan the son of Kareah spake to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly,
saying, Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of
Nethaniah, and no man shall know it: wherefore should he slay thee, that all
the Jews which are gathered unto thee should be scattered, and the remnant
in Judah perish?
[16] But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said unto Johanan the son of Kareah,
Thou shalt not do this thing: for thou speakest falsely of Ishmael.
Psalms 74
A Contemplative Maskil of Asaph.
1 O God, why have You cast us off forever?
Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Remember Your congregation, which You have
purchased of old, the rod of Your inheritance, which You have redeemed,
this Mount Zion, where You have lived.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Move Your footsteps to the perpetual desolations,
to all the harm the enemy has done in the sanctuary.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place;
they set up their miracles for signs.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) They seem like men who lift up axes on a thicket of trees.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) But now they strike down its carved work altogether
with axes and hammers.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) They have cast fire into Your sanctuary;
they have defiled the dwelling place of Your name to the ground.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) They said in their hearts,
"Let us destroy them together."
They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) We do not see our signs;
there is no longer any prophet,
nor is there among us any who knows how long.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) O God, how long will the adversary scorn?
Will the enemy blaspheme Your name forever?
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Why do You withdraw Your hand, Your right hand?
Draw it out of Your bosom and destroy them!
12 For God is my King of old,
working salvation in the midst of the earth.
13 You divided the sea by Your strength;
You broke the heads of the dragons on the waters.
14 You crushed the heads of Leviathan in pieces,
and gave him for food to the people inhabiting the wilderness.
15 You split the fountain and the flood;
You dried up ever-flowing rivers.
16 The day is Yours, the night also is Yours;
You have prepared the light and the sun.
17 You have established all the borders of the earth;
You have made summer and winter.
18 Remember this, that the enemy has scorned, O Lord,
and that the foolish people have blasphemed Your name.
19 Do not give the life of Your turtledove to a wild animal;
do not forget the life of Your poor forever.
20 Have regard for the covenant;
for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of violence.
21 May the oppressed not return ashamed;
may the poor and needy praise Your name.
22 Arise, O God, plead Your own cause;
remember how the fool insults You daily.
23 Do not forget the voice of Your enemies,
the tumult of those who rise up against You continually.
Psalm 74
[1] O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke
against the sheep of thy pasture?
[2] Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of
thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou
hast dwelt.
[3] Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy
hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.
[4] Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their
ensigns for signs.
[5] A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick
trees.
[6] But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and
hammers.
[7] They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting
down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.
[8] They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have
burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.
[9] We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there
among us any that knoweth how long.
[10] O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme
thy name for ever?
[11] Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy
bosom.
[12] For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.
[13] Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: thou brakest the heads of
the dragons in the waters.
[14] Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, and gavest him to be
meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.
[15] Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood: thou driedst up mighty
rivers.
[16] The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light
and the sun.
[17] Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and
winter.
[18] Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the
foolish people have blasphemed thy name.
[19] O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the
wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.
[20] Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are
full of the habitations of cruelty.
[21] O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise
thy name.
[22] Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man
reproacheth thee daily.
[23] Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up
against thee increaseth continually.
Psalms 79
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance;
Your holy temple they have defiled;
they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) The dead bodies of Your servants
they have given to the birds of the sky for food
and the flesh of Your faithful to the animals of the land.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Their blood they have poured out like water
all around Jerusalem,
and there was no one to bury them.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) We have become a reproach to our neighbors,
a scorn and derision to those who are around us.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) How long, O Lord? Will You be angry forever?
Will Your jealousy burn like fire?
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Pour out Your wrath
upon the nations who do not know You,
and upon the kingdoms
who have not called upon Your name.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) For they have devoured Jacob,
and laid waste his dwelling place.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Do not choose to remember our former iniquities;
let Your tender mercies come swiftly to us,
for we are brought very low.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Help us, O God of our salvation,
for the glory of Your name;
deliver us, and purge away our sins,
for Your name's sake.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Why should the nations say,
"Where is their God?"
May the avenging of the shed blood of Your servants
be known among the nations before our eyes.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Let the groans of the prisoners come before You;
according to the greatness of Your power
preserve those who are appointed to die.
12 And render unto our neighbors sevenfold into their lap
the reproach that they have reproached You, O Lord.
13 But we are Your people, the sheep of Your pasture,
and will give You thanks forever;
we will declare Your praise
to all generations.
Psalm 79
A Psalm of Asaph.
[1] O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance;
Thy holy temple have they defiled; They have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
[2] The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto
the fowls of the heaven,
The flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.
[3] Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem;
And there was none to bury them.
[4] We are become a reproach to our neighbours,
A scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
[5] How long, LORD? Wilt thou be angry for ever?
Shall thy jealousy burn like fire?
[6] Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee,
And upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.
[7] For they have devoured Jacob,
And laid waste his dwelling place.
[8] O remember not against us former iniquities: Let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us:
For we are brought very low.
[9] Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name:
And deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.
[10] Wherefore should the heathen say,
Where is their God?
Let him be known among the heathen in our sight
By the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.
[11] Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee;
According to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;
[12] And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom
Their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
[13] So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever:
We will shew forth thy praise to all generations.
2) Our Daily Bread for 16 August 2023 titled
The Power of Persistence
Luke 18:1-8
Luke 18
The Parable of the Widow and the Judge
1 (Col 4:2; Ro 12:12) He told them a parable to illustrate
that it is necessary always to pray and not lose heart.
2 (Lk 18:4) He said: "In a city there was a judge who did not
fear God or regard man.
3 (Isa 1:17) And a widow was in that city. She came to him, saying,
'Avenge me against my adversary.'
4 "He would not for a while. Yet afterward he said to himself,
'Though I do not fear God or respect man,
5 (Lk 11:8) yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her,
lest by her continual coming she will weary me.' "
6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge says.
7 (Rev 6:10; Ps 88:1) And shall not God avenge His own elect
and be patient with them, who cry day and night to Him?
8 I tell you, He will avenge them speedily.
Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
[1] And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to
pray, and not to faint;
[2] Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither
regarded man:
[3] And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying,
Avenge me of mine adversary.
[4] And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself,
Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
[5] Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her
continual coming she weary me.
[6] And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
[7] And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto
him, though he bear long with them?
[8] I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son
of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
In 1917, a young seamstress was thrilled to get admitted to one of New York
City's most renowned fashion design schools. But when Ann Lowe Cone arrived
from Florida to register for classes, the school director told her she wasn't
welcome. "To be blunt, Mrs. Cone, we didn't know that you were a Negro," he
said. Refusing to leave, she whispered a prayer: Please let me stay here.
Seeing her persistence, the director let Ann stay, but segregated her from
the whites-only classroom leaving the back door open "for [her] to hear."
Undeniably talented, Ann still graduated six months early and attracted
high-society clients including former First Lady of the United States
Jacqueline Kennedy, whose world-famous wedding gown she designed. She made
the gown twice, seeking God's help after a pipe burst above her sewing
studio, ruining the first dress.
Persistence like that is powerful, especially in prayer. In Jesus' parable
of the persistent widow, a widow pleads repeatedly for justice from a corrupt
judge. At first, he refused her, but "because this widow keeps bothering me,
I will see that she gets justice" (Luke 18:5).
With far more love, "will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones,
who cry out to him day and night?" (v. 7). He will, said Jesus (v.
. As Heinspires us, let's seek to persistently pray and never give up. In His time
and perfect way, God will answer.
By: Patricia Raybon
Reflect & Pray
What helps you to be persistent in prayer?
What request will you keep pleading?
Dear Jesus, I thank You for answering my persistent prayers.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 4 - freedom from Fear
Psalms 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom will I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom will I be afraid?
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Marcy was afraid of the dark. As a child she slept with a nightlight on,
and even she matured, she still had a fear of dark places.
When she was at home alone, she kept all the lights on,
and a small lamp at her bedside glowed through the night.
The psalmist David reflects that common fear of darkness when he says
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?"
David does not say, "The Lord brings light," but "The Lord is my light".
God is the source of understanding and security in our lives.
He is the One who can expose and deal with our fears.
When we are afraid - afraid of losing a job or a loved one,
afraid of making mistakes, afraid of being hurt, afraid of what others may
say about us - we can turn to the Lord who can handle our fears.
He is a "stronghold", a fortress of protection around us,
and in him we are safe.
Often we turn to other places for our security - to the bank account,
to a spouse or loved one, to the approval of the world.
We mistakenly think that these sources can provide a foundation of defence
against uncertainty of life. But when we find that people disappoint us, money
loses its value, and the praise of others is fleeting,
we must turn again to the true source of security, God alone.
Application
a) What sources of security have I trusted in besides God?
What was the result of that trust?
b) In what ways have I depended upon God for my security?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 16:10-12
10 (Mt 25:21; Lk 19:17) "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful
also in much. And he who is dishonest in the least is dishonest also
in much.
11 So if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who will give you that which is your own?"
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much:
and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who shall give you that which is your own?
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Reconciling Peace
Col 3:12-17
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another
and forgive one another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone,
even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God,
to which also you are called in one body,
rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17 ) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20 ) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have
a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye
are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
New Brunswick
Total population 753900
Muslim population (est.) 4543
Moncton, followed by Fredericton and Saint John, each have a growing Muslim
population in New Brunswick, In 2007, the building that was formerly a Baptist
church was converted into Moncton's 1st mosque. The University of Moncton
also has a Muslim student association hosting prayer services, fellowship
getherings, and outreaches on campus.
Fredericton also has one mosque and a Muslim student association serving the
campuses of the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University.
Fredericton's Muslim population consists in 2014 of about 50 families,
and between 300 to 400 university students.
Saint John is home to the 1st Muslim Association for the province,
which also helped foster the Islamic associations of Fredericton and Moncton.
a 'musalla', or prayer location that is not officially structured as a mosque,
has been established in the Uptown area with the intention of seeing it grow
into a 2nd official place of Muslim worship. Demand for this new location has
been primarily for university students moving into the area.
Pray for Muslims and New Brunswick
- that the eyes of pastors, believers and entire congregations will be opened
to see this growing body of Muslims, and their hearts will be opened
to sharing God's love in Jesus Christ with them
- that intentional ministries to Muslims will grow and flourish in these
areas of concentration
- that cooperative CNNMM Networks will form to really, encourage,
and equip believers to lovingly reach Muslims in this province.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
And
Thank you for praying through the
5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.
"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager,
I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to
cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.
Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians
and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the
love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before.
One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by
light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.
As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and
confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution
to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.
Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction.
Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father
to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.
I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.
God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through
the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom
and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
ROMANS 15:13
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
16th Day of the Month
a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
( John 16:7-8
7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away.
For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment"
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away:
for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;
but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
)
b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
(
John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me."
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Rom 3:19-20
19 Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 Therefore by the works of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are
under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become
guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
2 Cor 5:10
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive his recompense in the body,
according to what he has done,
whether it was good or bad.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad.
2 Cor 10:5
5 casting down imaginations and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to ask Him for help under siege.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, I thank You for answering
my persistent prayers."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Thank Him from Freeing you from Fear.
Pray to the Lord and pray to bear with one another in community.
Pray to the Lord and rejoice in Him.
Pray for Muslims and New Brunswick
- that the eyes of pastors, believers and entire congregations will be opened
to see this growing body of Muslims, and their hearts will be opened
to sharing God's love in Jesus Christ with them
- that intentional ministries to Muslims will grow and flourish in these
areas of concentration
- that cooperative CNNMM Networks will form to really, encourage,
and equip believers to lovingly reach Muslims in this province.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
Pray that the Gospel will advance despite Libya's unstable political
situation.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.