Day 260 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 17 September 2025 reflections
Day 260, 17 September 2025
1) Ezra 5:3-17, Ezra 6:1-14, Zechariah 7,
Zechariah 8, Zechariah 9, Zechariah 10
Ezra 5:3-17
3 (Ezr 6:6; 1:3; 5:9) At the same time Tattenai, governor of the province
Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai and their companions came to them
and said to them, “Who issued a command for you to build this house
and complete this structure?"
4 They also asked them, "What are the names of the men building
this building?"
5 (Ezr 7:6; 7:28) But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews,
so that they could not cause them to cease building until a command came
from Darius. Consequently, they sent a letter concerning this matter.
6 (Ezr 4:9) This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor
of the province Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai and his colleagues,
the officials who were in the province Beyond the River,
sent to Darius the king.
7 This is the document that they sent to him,
containing accordingly what follows:
"To Darius the king:
"All peace.
8 "May it be known to the king that we went into the province of Judah,
to the temple of the great God, which is built with great stones, and timber
is laid in the walls, and this work goes diligently,
and prospers in their hands.
9 "Then we questioned those elders and said to them, 'Who issued
a command for you to build this house and complete this structure?'
10 Also, we asked for their names in order to notify you
and to document the names of the men that were their leaders.
11 "Thus they returned us an answer, saying,
" 'We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth
and are rebuilding the temple that was built these many years ago,
which a great king of Israel built and completed.
12 (2Ch 36:16-17; 2Ki 24:2) Afterwards, our fathers provoked the God
of heaven to wrath, so He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar
the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple
and carried the people away into Babylon.
13 " 'However, in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, King Cyrus
made a decree to rebuild this house of God.
14 (Ezr 6:5; 5:16) The vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God,
which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and placed them
into the temple of Babylon, those Cyrus the king withdrew from the temple
of Babylon and had them delivered to the one named Sheshbazzar,
whom he had made governor.
15 King Cyrus said to him, "Take these vessels, go, carry them to the temple
in Jerusalem and let the house of God be built its site."
16 (Ezr 3:10; 6:15) " 'So that same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation
of the house of God in Jerusalem. Since that time even until now it has been
under construction, yet it is not finished.'
17 (Ezr 4:15) "Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let there be
search made in the king's treasure house there in Babylon to ascertain
if it is so that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house
of God at Jerusalem. May the king send his pleasure to us concerning
this matter."
[3] At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the
river, and Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus unto
them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this
wall?
[4] Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the
men that make this building?
[5] But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they
could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then
they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.
[6] The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river,
and Shethar-boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on
this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
[7] They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius
the king, all peace.
[8] Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea,
to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and
timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth
in their hands.
[9] Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you
to build this house, and to make up these walls?
[10] We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the
names of the men that were the chief of them.
[11] And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the
God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many
years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.
[12] But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath,
he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the
Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into
Babylon.
[13] But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king
Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.
[14] And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which
Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought
them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the
temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was
Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;
[15] And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple
that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.
[16] Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of
God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been
in building, and yet it is not finished.
[17] Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in
the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so,
that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at
Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
Ezra 6:1-14
The Decree of Darius
1 (Ezr 5:17; 4:15) Then Darius the king issued a decree
and a search was made in the house of records, where the treasures
were stored in Babylon.
2 At Ecbatana, in the provincial palace of the Medes, a scroll was found,
and in it the following record was written:
3 "In the first year of Cyrus the king, the same Cyrus the king issued
a decree concerning the temple of God at Jerusalem:
"Let the house be rebuilt, the place where they offered sacrifices,
and let the foundations of it be strongly laid, to a height of sixty cubits,
[About 90 feet, or 27 meters.] and a width of sixty cubits.
4 (1Ki 6:36) Let it consist of three rows of great stones and a row
of new timber, and let the expenses be paid from the king's treasury.
5 (Ezr 5:14; 1:7-8) Also, let the golden and silver vessels of the house
of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem
and brought to Babylon, be returned and brought back to their places
in the temple in Jerusalem. Put them in the house of God.
6 (Ezr 5:3; 5:6) "Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province
Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai, along with your colleagues,
the officials who are in the province Beyond the River,
stay far away from there.
7 Let the work of this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews
and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place.
8 (Ezr 6:4; 7:15-22) "Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you shall
do for the elders of these Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God:
"The cost is to be paid to these men, in full and without delay,
from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province Beyond the River.
9 (Lev 1:10) Whatever they need-whether young bulls, rams, and lambs
for the burnt offerings to the God of heaven, or wheat, salt, wine, and oil,
according to the appointment of the priests in Jerusalem-let it be given
them daily without fail,
10 (Ezr 7:23; Jer 29:7) so that they may offer acceptable sacrifices
to the God of heaven, as well as pray for the life of the king
and of his sons.
11 (Da 2:5; 3:29) "Also, I have issued a decree that whoever shall violate
this word, the timber will be pulled down from his house and arranged so that
he may be hanged on it. Thus shall his house be made a dunghill for this.
12 (1Ki 9:3; Dt 12:5) May the God who has caused His name to dwell there
overthrow all kings and people who stretch forth their hand to violate
or destroy this house of God in Jerusalem.
"I, Darius, have issued the decree; so let it be done diligently."
[1] Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of
the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
[2] And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province
of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
[3] In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a
decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded,
the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be
strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth
thereof threescore cubits;
[4] With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let
the expences be given out of the king's house:
[5] And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which
Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and
brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which
is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.
[6] Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and
your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far
from thence:
[7] Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews
and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
[8] Moreover I made a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews
for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the
tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men,
that they be not hindered.
[9] And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and
lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and
oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let
it be given them day by day without fail:
[10] That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven,
and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
[11] Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let
timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged
thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
[12] And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings
and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house
of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be
done with speed.
Completion and Dedication of the Temple
13 (Ezr 4:9) In compliance, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond
the River, Shethar-Bozenai, and their companions speedily accomplished
what Darius the king had decreed.
14 (Ezr 7:1; 4:24-5:2) The rebuilding by the elders of the Jews prospered
through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo.
And they built, and finished it, according to the decree of the God of Israel
and according to the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
[13] Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their
companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did
speedily.
[14] And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the
prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they
builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel,
and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes
king of Persia.
Zechariah 7
A Call for Justice and Mercy
1 (Ne 1:1; Zec 1:1) And in the fourth year of King Darius, on the fourth day
of the ninth month, Kislev, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah.
2 (Zec 8:21; Jer 26:19) Those in Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem-Melek
and their men to entreat the graces of the Lord,
3 (Zec 8:19; Jer 52:12-14) saying to the priests and prophets of the house
of the Lord of Hosts, "Should I weep and dedicate myself during
the fifth month as I have done in these many years?"
4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
5 (Zec 1:12; Isa 1:11-12) Say to all the people in the land
and to the priests: When you fasted and lamented during the fifth
and seventh months for these seventy years, did you really fast for Me?
6 (1Co 11:20-21) And when you eat and when you drink,
do you not eat and drink for yourselves?
7 (Jer 17:26; Isa 1:16-20) Were these not the very words that the former
prophets proclaimed when Jerusalem dwelled with ease along with
her surrounding cities, and when the Negev and the Lowland were inhabited?
1 And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of
the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even
in Chisleu;
2 When they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer and Regemmelech, and
their men, to pray before the LORD,
3 And to speak unto the priests which were in the house of the LORD of
hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month,
separating myself, as I have done these so many years?
4 Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying,
5 Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying,
When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those
seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?
6 And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for
yourselves, and drink for yourselves?
7 Should ye not hear the words which the LORD hath cried by the former
prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities
thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?
Punishment for Rejecting God's Demands
8 And the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying:
9 (Mic 6:8; Jer 21:12) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Execute true justice,
show mercy and compassion, every man to his brother.
10 (Ps 21:11; 72:4) Do not oppress the widow, orphan, sojourner, or poor.
And let none of you contemplate evil deeds in your hearts against his brother.
11 (Ne 9:29; Jer 8:5) But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn
shoulder, and stopped their ears so that they should not hear.
12 (Ne 9:29-30; 2Ch 36:16) They made their hearts hard like a diamond
so as not to hear the instruction and words that the Lord of Hosts
sent by His Spirit through the former prophets, and there was great anger
from the Lord of Hosts.
13 (Isa 1:15; Pr 1:24-28) Therefore it happened that as I called,
and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear,
says the Lord of Hosts.
14 (Dt 28:33; 4:27) So I scattered them about among all the nations
whom they did not know, so the land was left desolate behind them with
no one coming or going. And they made a desirable land desolate.
8 And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,
9 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and
shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:
10 And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the
poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.
11 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and
stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
12 Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should
hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit
by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of
hosts.
13 Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not
hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:
14 But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they
knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed
through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.
Zechariah 8
The Holy City of Peace and Prosperity
1 And the word of the Lord came, saying:
2 Thus says the Lord of Hosts: I am exceedingly jealous for Zion,
and with great wrath I am jealous for her.
3 (Zec 1:16; Isa 1:26) Thus says the Lord: I have returned to Zion
and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem will be called
a city of faithfulness and the mountain of the Lord of Hosts,
the holy mountain.
4 Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Older men and women will again sit
in the streets of Jerusalem, each having a staff in his hand
because of advanced age.
5 (Jer 30:19-20) And the plazas of the city will be filled
with young boys and girls playing in her open places.
6 (Jer 32:17; 32:27) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: If it is marvelous
in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days,
will it also be marvelous in My eyes? says the Lord of Hosts.
7 (Isa 27:12-13; 49:12) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: I will deliver
My people from the eastern lands and from the western lands.
8 (Jer 4:2; Eze 11:20) And I will bring them, and they will reside
in Jerusalem, and they will be for Me as a people, and I will be
for them as God, with faithfulness and righteousness.
9 (1Ch 22:13; Ezr 5:1-2) Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Let your hands be strengthened, whoever is hearing these words
in these days, from the mouth of the prophets who were there
in the day that the house of the Lord of Hosts was founded,
that the temple might be built.
10 (Isa 19:2; Am 3:6) For before those days there were no wages
for a man nor any hire for an animal; and there was no peace
from an enemy for him who went out or came in;
for I set every man against his neighbor.
11 (Isa 12:1; Ps 103:9) But now I will not be as in the former days
against this remnant people, says the Lord of Hosts.
12 (Ge 27:28; Lev 26:4-5) For sowing will be done in peace,
and the vine will produce its fruit, and the ground will provide its produce,
and the heavens will give their rain. And I will cause the remnant
of this people to inherit all of these benefits.
13 (Zec 8:9; Ge 12:2-3) And as you have been like a curse among the nations,
O house of Israel and house of Judah, I will deliver you,
and you will be a blessing. Fear not, and strengthen your hands!
14 (Jer 31:28; Eze 24:14) Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Just as I had determined to punish you when your fathers incited Me to wrath,
says the Lord of Hosts, I did not relent.
15 (Zec 8:13; Mic 7:18-20) So again have I purposed in these days to do good
to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not fear!
16 (Zec 7:9; Ps 15:2; Eph 4:25) These are the things you will do:
Speak truth each to his neighbor, and make judgments in your gates
that are for truth, and justice, and peace.
17 (Pr 3:29; 6:16-19) Let none of you consider evil plans in your heart
against your neighbor, and do not love false oaths,
for I hate all these things, says the Lord.
18 And the word of the Lord of Hosts came to me, saying:
19 (Jer 39:2; Zec 7:5) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: The fast during
the fourth and fifth months, and the fasts during the seventh
and tenth months, will become rejoicing and joy and pleasant
feasts for the house of Judah. So love what brings truth and peace.
20 (Jer 16:19; Zec 2:11) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Peoples will
still come, even those who live in many cities.
21 (Zec 7:2) Those who live in one city will journey to another,
saying, "Let us surely go to seek the Lord of Hosts. I myself am going."
22 (Isa 25:7; Zec 8:21) Many peoples and strong nations will seek
out the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the Lord.
23 (1Co 14:25; Ge 31:7) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: In those days ten men
from every language of the nations will take hold of the garment of a Jew,
saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."
Zechariah 8:1
1 Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,
Zechariah 8:2
2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy,
and I was jealous for her with great fury.
Zechariah 8:3
3 Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst
of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the
mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
Zechariah 8:4
4 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell
in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for
very age.
Zechariah 8:5
5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the
streets thereof.
Zechariah 8:6
6 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the
remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine
eyes? saith the LORD of hosts.
Zechariah 8:7
7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east
country, and from the west country;
Zechariah 8:8
8 And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and
they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in
righteousness.
Zechariah 8:9
9 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in
these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day
that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the
temple might be built.
Zechariah 8:10
10 For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast;
neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the
affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbour.
Zechariah 8:11
11 But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former
days, saith the LORD of hosts.
Zechariah 8:12
12 For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the
ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I
will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.
Zechariah 8:13
13 And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O
house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a
blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.
Zechariah 8:14
14 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when your
fathers provoked me to wrath, saith the LORD of hosts, and I repented not:
Zechariah 8:15
15 So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to
the house of Judah: fear ye not.
Zechariah 8:16
16 These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to
his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
Zechariah 8:17
17 And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour;
and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.
Zechariah 8:18
18 And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,
Zechariah 8:19
19 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast
of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall
be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts;
therefore love the truth and peace.
Zechariah 8:20
20 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall
come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:
Zechariah 8:21
21 And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go
speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go
also.
Zechariah 8:22
22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts
in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.
Zechariah 8:23
23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that
ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take
hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you:
for we have heard that God is with you.
Zechariah 9
Judgment on Israel's Enemies
1 (Jer 49:23-27; Am 1:3-5) An oracle of the word of the Lord that is
against the land of Hadrak,
and Damascus is the place where it will rest.
For the eyes of men and the tribes of Israel
are on the Lord.
2 (Jer 49:23; Eze 28:12) Also Hamath borders it,
even Tyre and Sidon, cities that are very wise.
3 (Jos 19:29; Job 27:16) Tyre has built a rampart for herself
and stored up silver like it were dust,
and even gold like it were mud in the streets.
4 (Eze 28:18; 26:17) The Lord will dispossess her of her possessions
and strike down her power in the sea,
and she will be devoured with fire.
5 Ashkelon will observe this and fear;
Gaza as well and will writhe in anguish;
even Ekron, her hope will be confounded.
The king of Gaza will perish,
and no one will inhabit Ashkelon.
6 (Am 1:8) A mongrel people will dwell in Ashdod,
and I will cut down the pride of Philistia.
7 I will take away the bloodshed from its mouth,
and the abominations from between its teeth.
Even it will be a remnant for our God.
It will be like a tribe of a clan in Judah,
and Ekron like the Jebusites.
8 (Isa 52:1; 54:14) Then I will make camp at My house with a garrison,
so that no one can pass back and forth.
And no oppressor will pass through them,
for now I see with My eyes.
CHAPTER 9
Zechariah 9:1
1 The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus
shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of
Israel, shall be toward the LORD.
Zechariah 9:2
2 And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very
wise.
Zechariah 9:3
3 And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the
dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets.
Zechariah 9:4
4 Behold, the Lord will cast her out, and he will smite her power in the
sea; and she shall be devoured with fire.
Zechariah 9:5
5 Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very
sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king
shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.
Zechariah 9:6
6 And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the
Philistines.
Zechariah 9:7
7 And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from
between his teeth: but he that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God, and
he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.
Zechariah 9:8
8 And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of him
that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall
pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes.
The Coming King of Zion
9 (Isa 9:6-7; Jer 23:5-6) Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
And cry aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king is coming to you;
he is righteous and able to deliver,
he is humble and riding on a donkey,
a colt, the offspring of a donkey.
10 (Hos 1:7; 2:18) I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
and the horse from Jerusalem;
and the bow for battle will be cut off.
He will speak peace to the nations;
and his dominion will be from one sea to another,
and from the Great River to the ends of the earth.
11 (Ex 24:8; Isa 42:7) And as for you, because of the blood of your covenant,
I will send your prisoners from the empty, waterless pits.
12 (Isa 61:7; Jer 31:17) Return to your stronghold,
prisoners who now have hope.
Today I declare that I will return to you a double portion.
13 (Ps 45:3; Isa 49:2) Because I have bent Judah as My bow
and fitted the bow with Ephraim.
I will stir up your sons, O Zion,
against your sons, O Greece,
and will set you like the sword of a warrior.
14 (Isa 21:1; Ps 18:14) Then the Lord will appear over them,
and His arrow will go out like lightning.
The Lord God will sound His trumpet,
and will march forth like storm winds of southern Teman.
15 (Ex 27:2; Zec 10:5) The Lord of Hosts will protect them.
They will devour up
and subdue them with stone slingers.
And they will drink and make noise as with wine;
they will be filled with blood as a bowl,
saturated like the corners of the altar.
16 (Isa 62:3; Ps 100:3) The Lord their God will deliver them that day
like the flock of His people.
For like jewels embedded in a crown,
they will shine in His land.
17 (Isa 33:17; 62:8-9) For how great is His goodness,
and how great His beauty!
There will be grain for the young men
and new wine to prosper the young women.
Zechariah 9:9
9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem:
behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly,
and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Zechariah 9:10
10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from
Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace
unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from
the river even to the ends of the earth.
Zechariah 9:11
11 As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy
prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.
Zechariah 9:12
12 Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I
declare that I will render double unto thee;
Zechariah 9:13
13 When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up
thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of
a mighty man.
Zechariah 9:14
14 And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the
lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with
whirlwinds of the south.
Zechariah 9:15
15 The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue
with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine;
and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar.
Zechariah 9:16
16 And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his
people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign
upon his land.
Zechariah 9:17
17 For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall
make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.
Zechariah 10
The Restoration of Judah and Israel
1 (Isa 30:23; Jer 10:13) Ask for rain from the Lord
during the season of the latter spring rains.
And the Lord will make the storm winds;
and He will give them showers of rain;
all will have vegetation in the field.
2 (Eze 34:5; Hos 3:4) For the household Teraphim idols speak wickedness,
and the diviners envision lies.
They utter false dreams,
and provide comfort that does not last.
So the people wander about like sheep;
they are afflicted because there is no shepherd.
3 (Zep 2:7) My anger burns against the shepherds,
and I will visit judgment on the male goats.
For the Lord of Hosts will visit His flock, the house of Judah,
and will make them like His majestic horse in battle.
4 (Zec 9:10; Nu 24:17) From him comes the cornerstone,
and from him the tent peg.
From him comes the bow for battle,
and from him every ruler goes out, all these together.
5 (Hag 2:22; Ps 20:7) And they will be as mighty men,
who trample down in the muddy streets in battle.
They will fight because the Lord is with them,
and He will put to shame those riding on horses.
6 (Zec 13:9; 10:12) I will make strong the house of Judah,
and will deliver the house of Joseph.
I will restore them
because I have compassion on them.
They will be like
I had never rejected them;
for I am the Lord their God,
and I will respond to them.
7 (Zec 9:15) Then Ephraim shall be like a mighty man,
and their hearts shall rejoice as with wine.
Their children shall see this and be glad;
their hearts shall rejoice in the Lord.
8 (Isa 5:26; Jer 33:22) I will whistle to them
and gather them in,
for I have ransomed them;
they will be numerous as they were numerous before.
9 (Eze 6:9; 1Ki 8:47-48) When I scatter them among the nations,
they will remember Me in the distant lands;
they will live with their children
and then return.
10 (Hos 11:11; Mic 7:14) I will bring them home from the land of Egypt,
and gather them from Assyria.
I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon,
until there is no room for them.
11 (Eze 30:13) He will pass through the sea of distress,
and will put down the waves in the sea:
All the depths of the Nile will be dried up;
and the arrogance of Assyria will be brought down,
and the scepter of Egypt will turn away.
12 (Mic 4:5; Zec 10:6) I will make them strong in the Lord,
and they will go to and fro in His name,
says the Lord.
Zechariah 10:1
1 Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall
make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in
the field.
Zechariah 10:2
2 For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and
have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way
as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.
Zechariah 10:3
3 Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats:
for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath
made them as his goodly horse in the battle.
Zechariah 10:4
4 Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the
battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.
Zechariah 10:5
5 And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the
mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is
with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.
Zechariah 10:6
6 And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of
Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon
them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD
their God, and will hear them.
Zechariah 10:7
7 And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall
rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad;
their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.
Zechariah 10:8
8 I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they
shall increase as they have increased.
Zechariah 10:9
9 And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far
countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again.
Zechariah 10:10
10 I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them
out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon;
and place shall not be found for them.
Zechariah 10:11
11 And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the
waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride
of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away.
Zechariah 10:12
12 And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down
in his name, saith the LORD.
2) Our Daily Bread for 17 September 2025 Titled
God's Strength by Karen Huang
Othniel
7 (Ex 34:13; Jdg 2:11-13) The children of Israel did what was evil
in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God and served
the Baals and the Asherahs.
8 (Jdg 2:14; Hab 3:7) The anger of the Lord burned against Israel,
and He sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia.
The children of Israel served Cushan-Rishathaim for eight years.
9 (Jdg 1:13; 3:15) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord,
and the Lord raised up a deliverer in order to save the children of Israel
-Othniel son of Kenaz, the younger brother of Caleb.
10 (Jdg 6:34; 11:29) The Spirit of the Lord came on him,
and he judged Israel. He went out to battle,
and the Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, into his hands,
so that Othniel overpowered Cushan-Rishathaim.
11 (Jos 11:23; Jdg 3:30) The land rested forty years, then Othniel
son of Kenaz died.
[7] And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat
the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.
[8] Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them
into the hand of Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of
Israel served Chushan-rishathaim eight years.
[9] And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up
a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the
son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
[10] And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and
went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of
Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim.
[11] And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
Her husband’s death began a period of transition for Nora. She took over his
hardware business and cared for their three children on her own. "Be strong,"
friends often told her. But what does that mean? she'd think. That I must
deliver without fail in my responsibilities?
God gave great responsibilities to Othniel in a time of transition for the
people of Israel. As discipline for the nation's idolatry, God had given them
"into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim . . . to whom the Israelites were subject
for eight years" (Judges 3:8). Under the cruel king of Mesopotamia,
the Israelites "cried out to the Lord," and "he raised up
for them a deliverer" (v. 9) - Othniel, whose name means "God's strength."
As the first judge of Israel, Othniel had no predecessor to help him. This
military leader had to guide the Israelites back to living out their covenant
relationship with God and defend them from their enemies. But because
"the Spirit of the Lord came on him" (v. 10), he succeeded. With God's
strength sustaining Othniel's leadership, "the land had peace for forty years,
until [he] died" (v. 11).
How can we truly "be strong"? It's by knowing we're not strong
and by trusting God to give us His strength. His "grace is sufficient for
[us], for [His] power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
God's strength works through us, doing things only He can do.
Reflect & Pray
How have you tried to "be strong"?
How does Othniel's story impact your understanding of strength?
Father God, please enable me to rely on Your strength.
Read this article to learn more about God's Motivations.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 4 - Arming for Battle
Joshua 1:8
8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth.
Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according
to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful,
and you will be wise.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.
When God spoke these words to Joshua, the young leader's prospects for
"prosperity" and "success" were far from promising. Upon Moses' death,
Joshua was appointed to lead Israel into the Promised Land, to claim
the territory and establish a nation under God's rule.
Joshua was afraid, and for good reason. The people were rebellious
and intractable. And "claiming the land" meant battling many strong enemies.
Yet God told Joshua that his strength would come not in preparing for battle,
but in preparing for battle, but in preparing himself by meditating
on and applying God's word to his life.
We, too, face difficult battles as we seek to enter the "Promised Land"
of God's peace and presence. But his promise is the same as it was to Joshua:
through obedience to the Word, we can find prosperity and success.
God's promise does not necessarily mean financial prosperity
or material success. These victories may come as well, but God's primary
purpose for his people is spiritual success - the victory and joy of living
in fellowship with him. We can be enriched in the knowledge of God and
find power to overcome the enemies of sin and self. The way may not be easy
- after all, there is no victory without conflict - but God promises
that we will succeed as we look to him.
Application
a) What image do I have a personal "Promised Land" that I long
to enter and claim as my own?
b) What enemies will I need to battle in order to enter that land?
c) How can meditation on the Word of God and obedience to him bring me
prosperity and success?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Proverbs 22:7
7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Saddened by Loss
John 14:1 - 7
1 "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me.
2 In My Father's house are many dwelling places.
If it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again
and receive you to Myself,
that where I am, you may be also.
4 You know where I am going, and you know the way."
5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know
where You are going. How can we know the way?"
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.
From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so,
I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,
and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest;
and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also:
and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen 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 2022 edition?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
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!
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
17th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!
7 Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.)
b) Pray for the province of Ontario
I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know yourself as a temple of the Lord.
Pray to the Lord: "Father God, please enable me to rely on Your strength."
Pray to the Lord and pray that the Word of the Lord does not depart from you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be neither a borrower nor a lender.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord is preparing
a place for you in Heaven.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
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 new believers in Qatar who have suffered hardships because of their
faith will find joy in the Lord.
Pray that Christians distributing Bibles in Iran will remain undetected
by the authorities and others who wish them harm.
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) Ezra 5:3-17, Ezra 6:1-14, Zechariah 7,
Zechariah 8, Zechariah 9, Zechariah 10
Ezra 5:3-17
3 (Ezr 6:6; 1:3; 5:9) At the same time Tattenai, governor of the province
Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai and their companions came to them
and said to them, “Who issued a command for you to build this house
and complete this structure?"
4 They also asked them, "What are the names of the men building
this building?"
5 (Ezr 7:6; 7:28) But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews,
so that they could not cause them to cease building until a command came
from Darius. Consequently, they sent a letter concerning this matter.
6 (Ezr 4:9) This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor
of the province Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai and his colleagues,
the officials who were in the province Beyond the River,
sent to Darius the king.
7 This is the document that they sent to him,
containing accordingly what follows:
"To Darius the king:
"All peace.
8 "May it be known to the king that we went into the province of Judah,
to the temple of the great God, which is built with great stones, and timber
is laid in the walls, and this work goes diligently,
and prospers in their hands.
9 "Then we questioned those elders and said to them, 'Who issued
a command for you to build this house and complete this structure?'
10 Also, we asked for their names in order to notify you
and to document the names of the men that were their leaders.
11 "Thus they returned us an answer, saying,
" 'We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth
and are rebuilding the temple that was built these many years ago,
which a great king of Israel built and completed.
12 (2Ch 36:16-17; 2Ki 24:2) Afterwards, our fathers provoked the God
of heaven to wrath, so He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar
the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple
and carried the people away into Babylon.
13 " 'However, in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, King Cyrus
made a decree to rebuild this house of God.
14 (Ezr 6:5; 5:16) The vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God,
which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and placed them
into the temple of Babylon, those Cyrus the king withdrew from the temple
of Babylon and had them delivered to the one named Sheshbazzar,
whom he had made governor.
15 King Cyrus said to him, "Take these vessels, go, carry them to the temple
in Jerusalem and let the house of God be built its site."
16 (Ezr 3:10; 6:15) " 'So that same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation
of the house of God in Jerusalem. Since that time even until now it has been
under construction, yet it is not finished.'
17 (Ezr 4:15) "Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let there be
search made in the king's treasure house there in Babylon to ascertain
if it is so that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house
of God at Jerusalem. May the king send his pleasure to us concerning
this matter."
[3] At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the
river, and Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus unto
them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this
wall?
[4] Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the
men that make this building?
[5] But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they
could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then
they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.
[6] The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river,
and Shethar-boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on
this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
[7] They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius
the king, all peace.
[8] Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea,
to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and
timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth
in their hands.
[9] Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you
to build this house, and to make up these walls?
[10] We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the
names of the men that were the chief of them.
[11] And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the
God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many
years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.
[12] But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath,
he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the
Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into
Babylon.
[13] But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king
Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.
[14] And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which
Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought
them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the
temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was
Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;
[15] And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple
that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.
[16] Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of
God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been
in building, and yet it is not finished.
[17] Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in
the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so,
that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at
Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
Ezra 6:1-14
The Decree of Darius
1 (Ezr 5:17; 4:15) Then Darius the king issued a decree
and a search was made in the house of records, where the treasures
were stored in Babylon.
2 At Ecbatana, in the provincial palace of the Medes, a scroll was found,
and in it the following record was written:
3 "In the first year of Cyrus the king, the same Cyrus the king issued
a decree concerning the temple of God at Jerusalem:
"Let the house be rebuilt, the place where they offered sacrifices,
and let the foundations of it be strongly laid, to a height of sixty cubits,
[About 90 feet, or 27 meters.] and a width of sixty cubits.
4 (1Ki 6:36) Let it consist of three rows of great stones and a row
of new timber, and let the expenses be paid from the king's treasury.
5 (Ezr 5:14; 1:7-8) Also, let the golden and silver vessels of the house
of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem
and brought to Babylon, be returned and brought back to their places
in the temple in Jerusalem. Put them in the house of God.
6 (Ezr 5:3; 5:6) "Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province
Beyond the River, and Shethar-Bozenai, along with your colleagues,
the officials who are in the province Beyond the River,
stay far away from there.
7 Let the work of this house of God alone. Let the governor of the Jews
and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place.
8 (Ezr 6:4; 7:15-22) "Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you shall
do for the elders of these Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God:
"The cost is to be paid to these men, in full and without delay,
from the royal revenue, the tribute of the province Beyond the River.
9 (Lev 1:10) Whatever they need-whether young bulls, rams, and lambs
for the burnt offerings to the God of heaven, or wheat, salt, wine, and oil,
according to the appointment of the priests in Jerusalem-let it be given
them daily without fail,
10 (Ezr 7:23; Jer 29:7) so that they may offer acceptable sacrifices
to the God of heaven, as well as pray for the life of the king
and of his sons.
11 (Da 2:5; 3:29) "Also, I have issued a decree that whoever shall violate
this word, the timber will be pulled down from his house and arranged so that
he may be hanged on it. Thus shall his house be made a dunghill for this.
12 (1Ki 9:3; Dt 12:5) May the God who has caused His name to dwell there
overthrow all kings and people who stretch forth their hand to violate
or destroy this house of God in Jerusalem.
"I, Darius, have issued the decree; so let it be done diligently."
[1] Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of
the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
[2] And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province
of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
[3] In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a
decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded,
the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be
strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth
thereof threescore cubits;
[4] With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let
the expences be given out of the king's house:
[5] And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which
Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and
brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which
is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.
[6] Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and
your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far
from thence:
[7] Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews
and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
[8] Moreover I made a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews
for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the
tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men,
that they be not hindered.
[9] And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and
lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and
oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let
it be given them day by day without fail:
[10] That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven,
and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
[11] Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let
timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged
thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
[12] And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings
and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house
of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be
done with speed.
Completion and Dedication of the Temple
13 (Ezr 4:9) In compliance, Tattenai, governor of the province Beyond
the River, Shethar-Bozenai, and their companions speedily accomplished
what Darius the king had decreed.
14 (Ezr 7:1; 4:24-5:2) The rebuilding by the elders of the Jews prospered
through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo.
And they built, and finished it, according to the decree of the God of Israel
and according to the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
[13] Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their
companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did
speedily.
[14] And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the
prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they
builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel,
and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes
king of Persia.
Zechariah 7
A Call for Justice and Mercy
1 (Ne 1:1; Zec 1:1) And in the fourth year of King Darius, on the fourth day
of the ninth month, Kislev, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah.
2 (Zec 8:21; Jer 26:19) Those in Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem-Melek
and their men to entreat the graces of the Lord,
3 (Zec 8:19; Jer 52:12-14) saying to the priests and prophets of the house
of the Lord of Hosts, "Should I weep and dedicate myself during
the fifth month as I have done in these many years?"
4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
5 (Zec 1:12; Isa 1:11-12) Say to all the people in the land
and to the priests: When you fasted and lamented during the fifth
and seventh months for these seventy years, did you really fast for Me?
6 (1Co 11:20-21) And when you eat and when you drink,
do you not eat and drink for yourselves?
7 (Jer 17:26; Isa 1:16-20) Were these not the very words that the former
prophets proclaimed when Jerusalem dwelled with ease along with
her surrounding cities, and when the Negev and the Lowland were inhabited?
1 And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of
the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even
in Chisleu;
2 When they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer and Regemmelech, and
their men, to pray before the LORD,
3 And to speak unto the priests which were in the house of the LORD of
hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month,
separating myself, as I have done these so many years?
4 Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying,
5 Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying,
When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those
seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?
6 And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for
yourselves, and drink for yourselves?
7 Should ye not hear the words which the LORD hath cried by the former
prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities
thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?
Punishment for Rejecting God's Demands
8 And the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying:
9 (Mic 6:8; Jer 21:12) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Execute true justice,
show mercy and compassion, every man to his brother.
10 (Ps 21:11; 72:4) Do not oppress the widow, orphan, sojourner, or poor.
And let none of you contemplate evil deeds in your hearts against his brother.
11 (Ne 9:29; Jer 8:5) But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn
shoulder, and stopped their ears so that they should not hear.
12 (Ne 9:29-30; 2Ch 36:16) They made their hearts hard like a diamond
so as not to hear the instruction and words that the Lord of Hosts
sent by His Spirit through the former prophets, and there was great anger
from the Lord of Hosts.
13 (Isa 1:15; Pr 1:24-28) Therefore it happened that as I called,
and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear,
says the Lord of Hosts.
14 (Dt 28:33; 4:27) So I scattered them about among all the nations
whom they did not know, so the land was left desolate behind them with
no one coming or going. And they made a desirable land desolate.
8 And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,
9 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and
shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:
10 And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the
poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.
11 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and
stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
12 Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should
hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit
by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of
hosts.
13 Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not
hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:
14 But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they
knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed
through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.
Zechariah 8
The Holy City of Peace and Prosperity
1 And the word of the Lord came, saying:
2 Thus says the Lord of Hosts: I am exceedingly jealous for Zion,
and with great wrath I am jealous for her.
3 (Zec 1:16; Isa 1:26) Thus says the Lord: I have returned to Zion
and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem will be called
a city of faithfulness and the mountain of the Lord of Hosts,
the holy mountain.
4 Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Older men and women will again sit
in the streets of Jerusalem, each having a staff in his hand
because of advanced age.
5 (Jer 30:19-20) And the plazas of the city will be filled
with young boys and girls playing in her open places.
6 (Jer 32:17; 32:27) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: If it is marvelous
in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days,
will it also be marvelous in My eyes? says the Lord of Hosts.
7 (Isa 27:12-13; 49:12) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: I will deliver
My people from the eastern lands and from the western lands.
8 (Jer 4:2; Eze 11:20) And I will bring them, and they will reside
in Jerusalem, and they will be for Me as a people, and I will be
for them as God, with faithfulness and righteousness.
9 (1Ch 22:13; Ezr 5:1-2) Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Let your hands be strengthened, whoever is hearing these words
in these days, from the mouth of the prophets who were there
in the day that the house of the Lord of Hosts was founded,
that the temple might be built.
10 (Isa 19:2; Am 3:6) For before those days there were no wages
for a man nor any hire for an animal; and there was no peace
from an enemy for him who went out or came in;
for I set every man against his neighbor.
11 (Isa 12:1; Ps 103:9) But now I will not be as in the former days
against this remnant people, says the Lord of Hosts.
12 (Ge 27:28; Lev 26:4-5) For sowing will be done in peace,
and the vine will produce its fruit, and the ground will provide its produce,
and the heavens will give their rain. And I will cause the remnant
of this people to inherit all of these benefits.
13 (Zec 8:9; Ge 12:2-3) And as you have been like a curse among the nations,
O house of Israel and house of Judah, I will deliver you,
and you will be a blessing. Fear not, and strengthen your hands!
14 (Jer 31:28; Eze 24:14) Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Just as I had determined to punish you when your fathers incited Me to wrath,
says the Lord of Hosts, I did not relent.
15 (Zec 8:13; Mic 7:18-20) So again have I purposed in these days to do good
to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not fear!
16 (Zec 7:9; Ps 15:2; Eph 4:25) These are the things you will do:
Speak truth each to his neighbor, and make judgments in your gates
that are for truth, and justice, and peace.
17 (Pr 3:29; 6:16-19) Let none of you consider evil plans in your heart
against your neighbor, and do not love false oaths,
for I hate all these things, says the Lord.
18 And the word of the Lord of Hosts came to me, saying:
19 (Jer 39:2; Zec 7:5) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: The fast during
the fourth and fifth months, and the fasts during the seventh
and tenth months, will become rejoicing and joy and pleasant
feasts for the house of Judah. So love what brings truth and peace.
20 (Jer 16:19; Zec 2:11) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Peoples will
still come, even those who live in many cities.
21 (Zec 7:2) Those who live in one city will journey to another,
saying, "Let us surely go to seek the Lord of Hosts. I myself am going."
22 (Isa 25:7; Zec 8:21) Many peoples and strong nations will seek
out the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the Lord.
23 (1Co 14:25; Ge 31:7) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: In those days ten men
from every language of the nations will take hold of the garment of a Jew,
saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."
Zechariah 8:1
1 Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,
Zechariah 8:2
2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy,
and I was jealous for her with great fury.
Zechariah 8:3
3 Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst
of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the
mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
Zechariah 8:4
4 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell
in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for
very age.
Zechariah 8:5
5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the
streets thereof.
Zechariah 8:6
6 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the
remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine
eyes? saith the LORD of hosts.
Zechariah 8:7
7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east
country, and from the west country;
Zechariah 8:8
8 And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and
they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in
righteousness.
Zechariah 8:9
9 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in
these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day
that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the
temple might be built.
Zechariah 8:10
10 For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast;
neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the
affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbour.
Zechariah 8:11
11 But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former
days, saith the LORD of hosts.
Zechariah 8:12
12 For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the
ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I
will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.
Zechariah 8:13
13 And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O
house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a
blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.
Zechariah 8:14
14 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when your
fathers provoked me to wrath, saith the LORD of hosts, and I repented not:
Zechariah 8:15
15 So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to
the house of Judah: fear ye not.
Zechariah 8:16
16 These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to
his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
Zechariah 8:17
17 And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour;
and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.
Zechariah 8:18
18 And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,
Zechariah 8:19
19 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast
of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall
be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts;
therefore love the truth and peace.
Zechariah 8:20
20 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall
come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:
Zechariah 8:21
21 And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go
speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go
also.
Zechariah 8:22
22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts
in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.
Zechariah 8:23
23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that
ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take
hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you:
for we have heard that God is with you.
Zechariah 9
Judgment on Israel's Enemies
1 (Jer 49:23-27; Am 1:3-5) An oracle of the word of the Lord that is
against the land of Hadrak,
and Damascus is the place where it will rest.
For the eyes of men and the tribes of Israel
are on the Lord.
2 (Jer 49:23; Eze 28:12) Also Hamath borders it,
even Tyre and Sidon, cities that are very wise.
3 (Jos 19:29; Job 27:16) Tyre has built a rampart for herself
and stored up silver like it were dust,
and even gold like it were mud in the streets.
4 (Eze 28:18; 26:17) The Lord will dispossess her of her possessions
and strike down her power in the sea,
and she will be devoured with fire.
5 Ashkelon will observe this and fear;
Gaza as well and will writhe in anguish;
even Ekron, her hope will be confounded.
The king of Gaza will perish,
and no one will inhabit Ashkelon.
6 (Am 1:8) A mongrel people will dwell in Ashdod,
and I will cut down the pride of Philistia.
7 I will take away the bloodshed from its mouth,
and the abominations from between its teeth.
Even it will be a remnant for our God.
It will be like a tribe of a clan in Judah,
and Ekron like the Jebusites.
8 (Isa 52:1; 54:14) Then I will make camp at My house with a garrison,
so that no one can pass back and forth.
And no oppressor will pass through them,
for now I see with My eyes.
CHAPTER 9
Zechariah 9:1
1 The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus
shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of
Israel, shall be toward the LORD.
Zechariah 9:2
2 And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very
wise.
Zechariah 9:3
3 And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the
dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets.
Zechariah 9:4
4 Behold, the Lord will cast her out, and he will smite her power in the
sea; and she shall be devoured with fire.
Zechariah 9:5
5 Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very
sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king
shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.
Zechariah 9:6
6 And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the
Philistines.
Zechariah 9:7
7 And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from
between his teeth: but he that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God, and
he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.
Zechariah 9:8
8 And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of him
that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall
pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes.
The Coming King of Zion
9 (Isa 9:6-7; Jer 23:5-6) Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
And cry aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king is coming to you;
he is righteous and able to deliver,
he is humble and riding on a donkey,
a colt, the offspring of a donkey.
10 (Hos 1:7; 2:18) I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
and the horse from Jerusalem;
and the bow for battle will be cut off.
He will speak peace to the nations;
and his dominion will be from one sea to another,
and from the Great River to the ends of the earth.
11 (Ex 24:8; Isa 42:7) And as for you, because of the blood of your covenant,
I will send your prisoners from the empty, waterless pits.
12 (Isa 61:7; Jer 31:17) Return to your stronghold,
prisoners who now have hope.
Today I declare that I will return to you a double portion.
13 (Ps 45:3; Isa 49:2) Because I have bent Judah as My bow
and fitted the bow with Ephraim.
I will stir up your sons, O Zion,
against your sons, O Greece,
and will set you like the sword of a warrior.
14 (Isa 21:1; Ps 18:14) Then the Lord will appear over them,
and His arrow will go out like lightning.
The Lord God will sound His trumpet,
and will march forth like storm winds of southern Teman.
15 (Ex 27:2; Zec 10:5) The Lord of Hosts will protect them.
They will devour up
and subdue them with stone slingers.
And they will drink and make noise as with wine;
they will be filled with blood as a bowl,
saturated like the corners of the altar.
16 (Isa 62:3; Ps 100:3) The Lord their God will deliver them that day
like the flock of His people.
For like jewels embedded in a crown,
they will shine in His land.
17 (Isa 33:17; 62:8-9) For how great is His goodness,
and how great His beauty!
There will be grain for the young men
and new wine to prosper the young women.
Zechariah 9:9
9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem:
behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly,
and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Zechariah 9:10
10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from
Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace
unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from
the river even to the ends of the earth.
Zechariah 9:11
11 As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy
prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.
Zechariah 9:12
12 Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I
declare that I will render double unto thee;
Zechariah 9:13
13 When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up
thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of
a mighty man.
Zechariah 9:14
14 And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the
lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with
whirlwinds of the south.
Zechariah 9:15
15 The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue
with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine;
and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar.
Zechariah 9:16
16 And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his
people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign
upon his land.
Zechariah 9:17
17 For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall
make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.
Zechariah 10
The Restoration of Judah and Israel
1 (Isa 30:23; Jer 10:13) Ask for rain from the Lord
during the season of the latter spring rains.
And the Lord will make the storm winds;
and He will give them showers of rain;
all will have vegetation in the field.
2 (Eze 34:5; Hos 3:4) For the household Teraphim idols speak wickedness,
and the diviners envision lies.
They utter false dreams,
and provide comfort that does not last.
So the people wander about like sheep;
they are afflicted because there is no shepherd.
3 (Zep 2:7) My anger burns against the shepherds,
and I will visit judgment on the male goats.
For the Lord of Hosts will visit His flock, the house of Judah,
and will make them like His majestic horse in battle.
4 (Zec 9:10; Nu 24:17) From him comes the cornerstone,
and from him the tent peg.
From him comes the bow for battle,
and from him every ruler goes out, all these together.
5 (Hag 2:22; Ps 20:7) And they will be as mighty men,
who trample down in the muddy streets in battle.
They will fight because the Lord is with them,
and He will put to shame those riding on horses.
6 (Zec 13:9; 10:12) I will make strong the house of Judah,
and will deliver the house of Joseph.
I will restore them
because I have compassion on them.
They will be like
I had never rejected them;
for I am the Lord their God,
and I will respond to them.
7 (Zec 9:15) Then Ephraim shall be like a mighty man,
and their hearts shall rejoice as with wine.
Their children shall see this and be glad;
their hearts shall rejoice in the Lord.
8 (Isa 5:26; Jer 33:22) I will whistle to them
and gather them in,
for I have ransomed them;
they will be numerous as they were numerous before.
9 (Eze 6:9; 1Ki 8:47-48) When I scatter them among the nations,
they will remember Me in the distant lands;
they will live with their children
and then return.
10 (Hos 11:11; Mic 7:14) I will bring them home from the land of Egypt,
and gather them from Assyria.
I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon,
until there is no room for them.
11 (Eze 30:13) He will pass through the sea of distress,
and will put down the waves in the sea:
All the depths of the Nile will be dried up;
and the arrogance of Assyria will be brought down,
and the scepter of Egypt will turn away.
12 (Mic 4:5; Zec 10:6) I will make them strong in the Lord,
and they will go to and fro in His name,
says the Lord.
Zechariah 10:1
1 Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall
make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in
the field.
Zechariah 10:2
2 For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and
have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way
as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.
Zechariah 10:3
3 Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats:
for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath
made them as his goodly horse in the battle.
Zechariah 10:4
4 Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the
battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.
Zechariah 10:5
5 And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the
mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is
with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.
Zechariah 10:6
6 And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of
Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon
them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD
their God, and will hear them.
Zechariah 10:7
7 And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall
rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad;
their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.
Zechariah 10:8
8 I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they
shall increase as they have increased.
Zechariah 10:9
9 And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far
countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again.
Zechariah 10:10
10 I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them
out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon;
and place shall not be found for them.
Zechariah 10:11
11 And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the
waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride
of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away.
Zechariah 10:12
12 And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down
in his name, saith the LORD.
2) Our Daily Bread for 17 September 2025 Titled
God's Strength by Karen Huang
Othniel
7 (Ex 34:13; Jdg 2:11-13) The children of Israel did what was evil
in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God and served
the Baals and the Asherahs.
8 (Jdg 2:14; Hab 3:7) The anger of the Lord burned against Israel,
and He sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia.
The children of Israel served Cushan-Rishathaim for eight years.
9 (Jdg 1:13; 3:15) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord,
and the Lord raised up a deliverer in order to save the children of Israel
-Othniel son of Kenaz, the younger brother of Caleb.
10 (Jdg 6:34; 11:29) The Spirit of the Lord came on him,
and he judged Israel. He went out to battle,
and the Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, into his hands,
so that Othniel overpowered Cushan-Rishathaim.
11 (Jos 11:23; Jdg 3:30) The land rested forty years, then Othniel
son of Kenaz died.
[7] And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat
the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.
[8] Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them
into the hand of Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of
Israel served Chushan-rishathaim eight years.
[9] And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up
a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the
son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
[10] And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and
went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of
Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim.
[11] And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
Her husband’s death began a period of transition for Nora. She took over his
hardware business and cared for their three children on her own. "Be strong,"
friends often told her. But what does that mean? she'd think. That I must
deliver without fail in my responsibilities?
God gave great responsibilities to Othniel in a time of transition for the
people of Israel. As discipline for the nation's idolatry, God had given them
"into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim . . . to whom the Israelites were subject
for eight years" (Judges 3:8). Under the cruel king of Mesopotamia,
the Israelites "cried out to the Lord," and "he raised up
for them a deliverer" (v. 9) - Othniel, whose name means "God's strength."
As the first judge of Israel, Othniel had no predecessor to help him. This
military leader had to guide the Israelites back to living out their covenant
relationship with God and defend them from their enemies. But because
"the Spirit of the Lord came on him" (v. 10), he succeeded. With God's
strength sustaining Othniel's leadership, "the land had peace for forty years,
until [he] died" (v. 11).
How can we truly "be strong"? It's by knowing we're not strong
and by trusting God to give us His strength. His "grace is sufficient for
[us], for [His] power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
God's strength works through us, doing things only He can do.
Reflect & Pray
How have you tried to "be strong"?
How does Othniel's story impact your understanding of strength?
Father God, please enable me to rely on Your strength.
Read this article to learn more about God's Motivations.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 4 - Arming for Battle
Joshua 1:8
8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth.
Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according
to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful,
and you will be wise.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.
When God spoke these words to Joshua, the young leader's prospects for
"prosperity" and "success" were far from promising. Upon Moses' death,
Joshua was appointed to lead Israel into the Promised Land, to claim
the territory and establish a nation under God's rule.
Joshua was afraid, and for good reason. The people were rebellious
and intractable. And "claiming the land" meant battling many strong enemies.
Yet God told Joshua that his strength would come not in preparing for battle,
but in preparing for battle, but in preparing himself by meditating
on and applying God's word to his life.
We, too, face difficult battles as we seek to enter the "Promised Land"
of God's peace and presence. But his promise is the same as it was to Joshua:
through obedience to the Word, we can find prosperity and success.
God's promise does not necessarily mean financial prosperity
or material success. These victories may come as well, but God's primary
purpose for his people is spiritual success - the victory and joy of living
in fellowship with him. We can be enriched in the knowledge of God and
find power to overcome the enemies of sin and self. The way may not be easy
- after all, there is no victory without conflict - but God promises
that we will succeed as we look to him.
Application
a) What image do I have a personal "Promised Land" that I long
to enter and claim as my own?
b) What enemies will I need to battle in order to enter that land?
c) How can meditation on the Word of God and obedience to him bring me
prosperity and success?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Proverbs 22:7
7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Saddened by Loss
John 14:1 - 7
1 "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me.
2 In My Father's house are many dwelling places.
If it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again
and receive you to Myself,
that where I am, you may be also.
4 You know where I am going, and you know the way."
5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know
where You are going. How can we know the way?"
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.
From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so,
I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,
and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest;
and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also:
and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen 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 2022 edition?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
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!
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
17th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!
7 Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.)
b) Pray for the province of Ontario
I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know yourself as a temple of the Lord.
Pray to the Lord: "Father God, please enable me to rely on Your strength."
Pray to the Lord and pray that the Word of the Lord does not depart from you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be neither a borrower nor a lender.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord is preparing
a place for you in Heaven.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
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 new believers in Qatar who have suffered hardships because of their
faith will find joy in the Lord.
Pray that Christians distributing Bibles in Iran will remain undetected
by the authorities and others who wish them harm.
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.
.