Day 267 of My 6th Bible Study Journey
Day 267, 24 September 2025
1) Nehemiah 8,9,10
Nehemiah 8
Understand God's heart for, and the power of, community
Community = Common Unity
1 (Ezr 7:6; Ne 3:26) All the people gathered together as one man in the area
in front of the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring
the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.
[1] And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the
street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe
to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to
Israel.
Desire of the Word of God
2 (Lev 23:24; Nu 29:1) On the first day of the seventh month,
Ezra the priest brought the Law before the congregation of men, women,
and all who could listen with understanding.
3 In the area in front of the Water Gate, he read aloud from sunrise until
midday to the men, women, and those who could understand.
All the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
4 Ezra the scribe stood on a raised wood platform, which they had made
for the purpose. Beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah,
and Maaseiah on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, Mishael,
Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
5 (Jdg 3:20; 1Ki 8:14) Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people
(because he was above all the people), and, as he opened it, all the people
stood up.
6 (Ex 4:31; Ne 5:13)When Ezra blessed the Lord as the great God, all
the people responded "Amen, Amen!" By lifting up their hands as they bowed
their heads, they worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
7 (Ne 9:4; Ezr 10:22-23; Ne 3:23) Then Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub,
Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah,
and the Levites, explained the Law to the people while the people stood in
their place.
8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, with interpretation, and
they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
[2] And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men
and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first
day of the seventh month.
[3] And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate
from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that
could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the
book of the law.
[4] And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for
the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and
Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand,
Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah,
and Meshullam.
[5] And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was
above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
[6] And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered,
Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and
worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
[7] Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah,
Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused
the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.
[8] So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the
sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
Live the Word of God
9 (Ne 7:65; 7:70) Then Nehemiah the magistrate, Ezra the priest and scribe,
and the Levites who were teaching the people said to all the people, "This
day is holy to the Lord your God. Stop mourning and weeping." (This was
because all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law.)
10 (Dt 26:11-13; Est 9:19) Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat,
drink the sweet drink, and send portions to those for whom nothing is
prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy
of the Lord is your strength."
11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying,
"Hush! Because today is holy you should stop being so sorrowful."
12 (Ne 8:7-8) Then all the people went to eat, to drink, to send portions,
and to enjoy a great celebration because they had understood the words
declared to them.
[9] And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe,
and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day
is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people
wept, when they heard the words of the law.
[10] Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet,
and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is
holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your
strength.
[11] So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the
day is holy; neither be ye grieved.
[12] And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send
portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words
that were declared unto them.
The Feast of Tabernacles
Historical Accuracy
13 On the second day, the chiefs of the fathers' households
of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered to Ezra
the scribe in order to understand the words of the Law.
[13] And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers
of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even
to understand the words of the law.
14 (Lev 23:34) They found written in the Law where the Lord had commanded
by Moses that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast
of the seventh month,
15 (Lev 23:4; 23:40) and that they should publish and proclaim
in all their cities and in Jerusalem, "Go out to the hills
and bring olive branches, along with wild olive branches, myrtle branches,
palm branches, and other leafy branches to make booths, as it was written."
16 (2Ki 14:13; Ne 12:39) So the people went out and brought back branches
and made themselves booths. Each household did so on its roof, in their yard,
on the grounds of the house of God, in the area in front of the Water Gate,
or in the area at the Gate of Ephraim.
17 (2Ch 8:13; 7:8-10) All the congregation who had returned from captivity
made booths and lived in them. Not since the days of Joshua the son of Nun
to that day had the children of Israel done so, and there was a tremendously
great feast.
18 (Lev 23:36; Nu 29:35) And day by day, from the first day to the last day,
he read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the feast seven
days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly as required.
[14] And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by
Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of
the seventh month:
[15] And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in
Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and
pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick
trees, to make booths, as it is written.
[16] So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths,
every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts
of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street
of the gate of Ephraim.
[17] And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the
captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of
Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so.
And there was very great gladness.
[18] Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the
book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the
eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.
Nehemiah 9
The Israelites Confess Their Sins
Confession ... and repentance
1 (Jos 7:6; 1Sa 4:12) Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the children
of Israel were assembled with fasting and sackcloth,
and there was dirt on them.
2 (Ezr 10:11; Ne 13:3) The offspring of Israel separated themselves
from all the foreigners and then stood and confessed their sins
and the iniquities of their fathers.
3 (Ne 8:7-8) They stood in their place and read from the Book of the Law
of the Lord their God for a fourth of the day. And for another fourth,
they confessed and worshipped the Lord their God.
[1] Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel
were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.
[2] And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and
stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.
[3] And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the
LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they
confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
Worship ... recounting God's goodness and faithfulness
4 (Ne 8:7) Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani,
and Kenani stood up on the stairs of the Levites
and cried with a loud voice to the Lord their God.
5 (1Ch 29:13) Then the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah,
Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said:
"Stand up and bless the Lord your God forever and ever! Let them
bless Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.
6 (Ge 1:1; 2:1; 2Ki 19:15) You alone are the Lord. You have made heaven,
the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it,
the seas and all that is in them; and You preserve them all.
And the host of heaven worships You.
[4] Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani,
Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a
loud voice unto the LORD their God.
[5] Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah,
Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your
God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted
above all blessing and praise.
[6] Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of
heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein,
the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the
host of heaven worshippeth thee.
7 (Ge 11:31; 17:5) "You are the Lord God who chose Abram and brought him out
of Ur of the Chaldeans. You gave him the name Abraham
8 (Ge 15:6; 15:18-21)and found his heart faithful before You. And You made
a covenant with him to give him the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites,
the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, and the Girgashites-to give it
to his seed. Indeed, You have fulfilled Your words because You are righteous.
9 "When You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt and heard their cry
by the Red Sea,
10 (Jer 32:20; Da 9:15) You enacted signs and wonders against Pharaoh,
against all his servants, and against all the people of his land because
You knew how arrogantly they had acted against them. Thus, You made a name
for Yourself, as it is this day.
11 (Ps 78:13; Ex 14:21-22) You divided the sea before them, so they might
pass through the midst of the sea on dry ground, and cast their pursuers
into the deep like a stone into stormy waters.
12 (Ex 13:21-22; Ne 9:19) By day You led them with a pillar of cloud,
and by night with a pillar of fire to light the way for them to go.
13 (Ex 20:1; 19:11) "You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them
from heaven and gave them just requirements, true laws, good statutes
and commandments.
14 (Ge 2:3; Ex 20:8-11) You also revealed to them Your Holy Sabbath and,
by the hand of Moses Your servant, set in place for them the precepts,
statutes, and laws.
15 (Ex 17:6; Dt 1:8) You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger
and brought water out of the rock for them for their thirst. You told
them to enter in order to possess the land which You had sworn to give them.
[7] Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him
forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;
[8] And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with
him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the
Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to
his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous:
[9] And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their
cry by the Red sea;
[10] And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharoah, and on all his servants,
and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly
against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day.
[11] And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through
the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest
into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.
[12] Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the
night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should
go.
[13] Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from
heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and
commandments:
[14] And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them
precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:
[15] And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest
forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them
that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give
them.
Confession ... and repentance
16 (Dt 31:27; Ne 9:10) "But they and our fathers acted proudly and hardened
their necks and did not obey Your commandments.
[16] But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and
hearkened not to thy commandments,
The Attributes of God
17 (Ps 78:11; 86:5) They refused to obey and were not mindful of Your wonders
that You performed among them. But they hardened their necks and in their
rebellion appointed a leader to return to their bondage. But You are a God
ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding
in kindness, and did not forsake them.
[17] And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou
didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed
a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon,
gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest
them not.
18 (Ex 32:4-8) "Even when they had made themselves a molded calf and said,
'This is your god that brought you out of Egypt,'
and committed terrible provocations,
[18] Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God
that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations;
The Attributes of God
19 (Ne 9:12; 9:27) yet You in Your great mercy did not forsake them
in the wilderness: The pillar of the cloud did not depart from them by day,
to lead them in the way, nor the pillar of fire by night, to light for them
the way they should go.
[19] Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness:
the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the
way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way
wherein they should go.
20 (Nu 11:17; Ex 16:15) You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them,
did not withhold Your manna from their mouth, and gave them water
for their thirst.
21 (Dt 2:7; 8:4) Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness,
so that they lacked nothing-their clothing did not wear out
nor did their feet swell.
22 (Nu 21:21-35) "You gave them kingdoms and nations,
and You divided them as boundaries. They possessed the land of Sihon,
which was the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og,
the king of Bashan.
23 (Ge 15:5; 22:17) Their descendants You increased like the stars
of heaven, and You brought them into the land, which You had promised
to their fathers that they would enter and possess it.
24 (Jos 11:23; 18:1) So the descendants went in and possessed the land,
and You subdued for them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites,
and gave them into their hands-with their kings and the peoples of the land
-to do with them as they would.
[20] Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not
thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.
[21] Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that
they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.
[22] Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them
into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king
of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.
[23] Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and
broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their
fathers, that they should go in to possess it.
[24] So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst
before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them
into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they
might do with them as they would.
The Attributes of God
25 (Dt 32:15; 3:5) They captured unassailable cities and a fertile land.
They possessed houses full of all goods, wells dug, vineyards, olive groves,
and fruit trees in abundance, so they ate, were filled, and became fat,
and they indulged themselves in Your great goodness.
[25] And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full
of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in
abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted
themselves in thy great goodness.
Confession ... and repentance
26 (1Ki 14:9; Jdg 2:11-12) "Nevertheless they became disobedient,
and rebelled against You, and cast Your law behind their backs,
and killed Your prophets who had warned them to turn back to You.
But they committed terrible provocations.
[26] Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast
thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against
them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.
The Attributes of God
27 Therefore You delivered them into the hand of their enemies,
who afflicted them. When they cried to You in the time of their affliction,
You heard from heaven, and, according to Your abundant mercy, You gave them
deliverers who delivered them out of the hand of their enemies.
[27] Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who
vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee,
thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou
gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.
28 (Jdg 3:11-12; 3:30) "But after they had rest, they again did evil before
You. Therefore You abandoned them to the hand of their enemies, so that
they had dominion over them. Yet when they turned and cried to You,
You heard from heaven, and many times You delivered them according
to Your mercies.
29 (Ne 9:16; Lev 18:5) "You warned them in order to restore them again
to Your law, but they acted arrogantly and did not listen
to Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances
(which would enable a man to live, if he would do them),
stubbornly turning away and becoming belligerent so that
they would not hear.
[28] But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore
leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the
dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou
heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according
to thy mercies;
[29] And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto
thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments,
but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in
them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not
hear.
Confession ... and repentance
30 (Ne 9:20; Isa 42:24) For many years You endured them
and warned them by Your Spirit in Your prophets, yet they would not listen.
Therefore, You gave them into the hand of the people of the lands.
[30] Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by
thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest
thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
The Attributes of God
31 (Jer 4:27; Ne 9:17) Nevertheless, for the sake of Your abundant mercy,
You did not completely destroy them or forsake them.
Indeed, You are a gracious and merciful God.
[31] Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume
them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
32 (2Ki 17:3; Ne 1:5) "Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty,
and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and mercy, let not all the hardship,
since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day, that has come on us,
our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers,
and on all Your people seem insignificant to You.
[32] Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God,
who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before
thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our
priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people,
since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.
Confession ... and repentance
33 (Ge 18:25; Ps 106:6) You are righteous for everything that has come
upon us! You have acted faithfully while we have done wickedly.
[33] Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast
done right, but we have done wickedly:
34 For our kings, princes, priests, and fathers have failed to keep Your law
and did not obey Your commandments and Your warnings even when
You confronted them.
35 (Dt 28:47) For whether in their kingdom or in Your abundant goodness
(that You gave them) or in the spacious and fertile land
(that You set before them), they have neither served You nor turned away
from their wicked deeds.
36 (Dt 28:48; Ezr 9:9) "Here we are, slaves today. The land that You gave
to our fathers was for eating its fruit and its goodness.
Behold, we have become slaves on account of it,
37 (Dt 28:33; 28:51) because its abundant produce belongs to the kings
whom You have set over us due to our sins. They have control over our bodies
and over our livestock, as they please. We are in great distress."
Signatories to the Agreement
38 (Ne 10:1; 10:29) So on the basis of all this, we are executing
a written agreement that is being sealed by our princes, Levites,
and priests.
[34] Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept
thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith
thou didst testify against them.
[35] For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great
goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou
gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
[36] Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest
unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we
are servants in it:
[37] And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us
because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our
cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
[38] And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our
princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.
Nehemiah 10
Signatories of the Covenant
1 (Ne 9:38; 1:1) Now the names of those on the sealed agreement were:
Nehemiah, the magistrate, the son of Hakaliah,
and Zedekiah.
2 Next were Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,
3 Pashhur, Amariah, Malkijah,
4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluk,
5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,
6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,
7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,
8 Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah.
These were the priests.
9 The Levites were:
Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, and Kadmiel,
10 along with their relatives Shebaniah,
Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,
11 Mika, Rehob, Hashabiah,
12 Zakkur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
13 Hodiah, Bani, and Beninu.
14 (Ne 7:8; 7:11-13) The leaders of the people were:
Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,
15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,
16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur,
18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai,
19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,
20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,
21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua,
22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,
23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub,
24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek,
25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,
26 Ahiah, Hanan, Anan,
27 Malluk, Harim, and Baanah.
Summary of the Covenant
28 (Ne 9:2) The remainder of the people, the priests, the Levites,
the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all those who
on the basis of the Law of God separated themselves from the people
of the lands-their wives, their sons, and their daughters, that is,
every one capable of knowledge and understanding-
29 (Ps 119:106;2Ki 23:3) have decisively joined in with their countrymen
and their nobles, and obligated themselves-by both a curse and an oath-to
walk in the Law of God, which was given by Moses the servant of God,
and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord who is our Lord,
along with His judgments and His statutes
30 (Ex 34:16; Dt 7:3) so that we will not give our daughters
to the people of the land nor take their daughters for our sons.
31 (Ex 23:10-11; Ne 13:15-22) If the people of the land bring merchandise
or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them
on the Sabbath or a holy day. We will also renounce the seventh year harvest
and the full payment of every debt.
32 (Ex 30:11-16) We also establish for ourselves the ordinance to collect
from ourselves annually one-third of a shekel for the service of the house
of our God:
33 (2Ch 2:4; Lev 24:5-6) for the showbread, the continual grain offering,
the continual burnt offering, the Sabbaths, the New Moons, the appointed
feasts, the holy things, and the sin offerings to make an atonement for
Israel, as well as for all the work of the house of our God.
34 (Ne 13:31; Isa 40:16) Also, we cast lots to determine the duty
of the supply of wood that the priests, the Levites,
and the people-according to the houses of our fathers,
being set by annually appointed times-might bring to the house of our God,
in order to burn it on the altar of the Lord our God,
as it is written in the Law;
35 (Ex 23:19; Dt 26:2) and, likewise, for the annual bringing
of the first fruits of our ground and the first fruits of all fruit
of all trees to the house of the Lord;
36 (Ex 13:2; Lev 27:26-27) and for bringing to the priests
who are ministering at the house of God, the firstborn of our sons
and livestock, as it is written in the Law, plus the firstborn
of our herds and flocks.
37 (Lev 23:17; Nu 18:21) Moreover, the first of our fresh dough,
our contributions, the fruit of every tree, and the new wine and oil we will
bring to the priests at the chambers of the house of our God, but the tithe
of our crops we will bring to the Levites, since they themselves receive
the tithes in all our agricultural cities.
38 (Ne 13:12-13) There must be a priest, a descendant of Aaron,
with the Levites when they are collecting tithes, and the Levites
will offer a tenth of the tithes to the house of our God,
for the chambers of the storehouse.
39 (2Ch 31:12) Both the children of Israel and the Levites
should bring the contribution of the grain, new wine,
and the fresh oil to the chambers because the vessels of the sanctuary
and the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers are there.
We resolve not to forsake the house of our God.
[1] Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of
Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,
[2] Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,
[3] Pashur, Amariah, Malchijah,
[4] Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,
[5] Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,
[6] Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,
[7] Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,
[8] Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests.
[9] And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons
of Henadad, Kadmiel;
[10] And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,
[11] Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah,
[12] Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
[13] Hodijah, Bani, Beninu.
[14] The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,
[15] Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,
[16] Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
[17] Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur,
[18] Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai,
[19] Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,
[20] Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,
[21] Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua,
[22] Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,
[23] Hoshea, Hananiah, Hashub,
[24] Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek,
[25] Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,
[26] And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan,
[27] Malluch, Harim, Baanah.
[28] And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the
singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the
people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their
daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;
[29] They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse,
and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant
of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and
his judgments and his statutes;
[30] And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land,
nor take their daughters for our sons:
[31] And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath
day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy
day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every
debt.
[32] Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the
third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;
[33] For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the
continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set
feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an
atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.
[34] And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people,
for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the
houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the
altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:
[35] And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all
fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:
[36] Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in
the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the
house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God:
[37] And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our
offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto
the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our
ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all
the cities of our tillage.
[38] And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the
Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes
unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.
[39] For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the
offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where
are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the
porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.
2) Our Daily Bread for 24 September 2026 titled
Words from Friends
Job 2:7-13
7 Therefore, the Adversary went out from the presence of the Lord, and he
afflicted Job with severe sores from the sole of his foot to the top of his
head.
8 So he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself
while he was sitting among the ashes.
9 His wife said to him, "Are you
still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die."
10 He said to her, "You talk like one of the foolish women talks. Will we
indeed accept the good from God but not accept the adversity?" In all this
Job did not sin with his lips.
11 Three friends of Job heard about all this evil that had come upon him,
and each one came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the
Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They had agreed together to come to
mourn with him and to comfort him.
12 They saw him from a distance and did not recognize him, so they wept aloud.
Each one tore his robe, and they tossed dust into the air above their heads.
13 Then they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights.
Meanwhile, no one was speaking to him at all because they saw that
his pain was severe. (Are these friends who will really comfort?)
[7] So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with
sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.
[8] And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down
among the ashes.
[9] Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity?
curse God, and die.
[10] But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women
speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not
receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
[11] Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon
him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and
Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an
appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.
[12] And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they
lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and
sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.
[13] So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights,
and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
As I sat in a Bible class at the age of twenty-six, I was baffled. Some of my
classmates' comments were discouraging. They seemed to have so many problems.
I responded by asking, "If we're Christians, why are we so down? Don't we know
how this thing really ends?" I was referring to the promise of eternal life in
Christ but also to the many promises in the Bible of God's care for His
people. The instructor simply smiled and moved on.
But my comment has stuck with me for years.
Eventually life hit me. Job loss, bereavement, illness, and more led me to
feel discouraged. Yes, God's promises are comforting and true, but they don't
promise an easy life. Jesus said we "will have trouble" (John 16:33).
Quite naturally, we feel the impact of such troubles, just as a man named Job
did. He was tested, and it hit him hard: He lost his children, his property,
and his health (Job 1:13-20; 2:7). His friends came to visit him to console
him (2:11-13). In the beginning they simply supported their friend quietly,
noting "how great his suffering was" (v. 13). But then they began asking
unhelpful questions, not too dissimilar to the one I posed in Bible class.
As we encounter others going through trouble, the Holy Spirit can help us
respond with love and compassion. And as we experience sorrow, we can
remember the comfort of God's promises.
By: Katara Patton
Reflect & Pray
How has a friend helped you during a rough time?
How can you help others by using sensitivity and discernment?
Loving God, please teach me to use wisdom when sympathising with others.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 5 When you pray
Mark 11:25
25 And when you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone,
so that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your sins.
25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any:
that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
"My prayer don't seem to be very effective," a man told his pastor." I try
to make contact with God, but my prayers seem to hit the ceiling and bounce
back."
The pastor thought for a moment, then gently suggested,
"Is there someone in your life you haven't forgiven?"
"What do you mean?" The man's face flushed; the pastor has obviuosly struck
a nerve. "Well, I guess I've had some struggles with my mother ... and then,
my wife, and I ... ." The hidden truth came to light: the man was bound in
unforgiving relationships with five of the closest people to him.
Forgiveness is an essential element in prayer. For a very good reason,
worship services in liturgical churches place the confession of sin and the
absolution near the beginning of the service, before the reading of God's
Word, prayer, and the sermon. Forgiveness - both the Lord's forgiveness
of us and our forgiveness of others - clears the way for unhindered
communication between God and his people.
When we carry anger and bitterness, or even deeply buried, well-subliminated
unforgiveness, into the presence of God, our prayers will be affected. We can,
however, free the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and the lives of others
through forgiveness. We can choose to forgive in light of God's forgiveness
of us. And when we do, the channels are re-established;
we can pray in power and open ourselves to an awareness of his activity
in our lives.
Application
a) Have my prayers ever been affected by unforgiveness in my life?
b) Is there someone in my life whom I need to forgive,
whether or not I can work toward?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Deut 30:19-20
19 (Dt 4:26; 30:1) I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.
Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 (Dt 10:20; Ps 27:1) that you may love the Lord your God,
that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him,
for He is your life and the length of your days;
and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord
swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 that thou mayest love the LORD thy God,
and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:
for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:
that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD
sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Freeing Forgiveness
Ps 103:1-14
PSALMS 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits,
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,
who heals all your diseases,
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The Lord does righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the people of Israel.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) He will not always accuse,
neither will He keep his anger forever.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) He does not treat us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.
14 For He knows how we are formed;
He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment
For all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses,
His acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide:
Neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,
So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children,
So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame;
He remembereth that we are dust.
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
Day 24 of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Canadian Society. (
Col 4:3
3 while praying also for us, that God would open to
us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in chains,
3 withal praying also for us, that God would open unto
us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in bonds:
)
b) Pray for the Province of Saskatchewan
I) Pray for the leaders of Saskatchewan,
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
)
Pray to the Lord and pray for repentance and integrity in your life.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving God, please teach me to use wisdom
when sympathising with others."
Pray to the Lord and pray to forgive those who you have not forgiven yet.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord.
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 the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Canadian Society.
Pray that amid Bahrain's
religious, political and economic tensions,
Muslims will experience Jesus' love.
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) Nehemiah 8,9,10
Nehemiah 8
Understand God's heart for, and the power of, community
Community = Common Unity
1 (Ezr 7:6; Ne 3:26) All the people gathered together as one man in the area
in front of the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring
the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.
[1] And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the
street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe
to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to
Israel.
Desire of the Word of God
2 (Lev 23:24; Nu 29:1) On the first day of the seventh month,
Ezra the priest brought the Law before the congregation of men, women,
and all who could listen with understanding.
3 In the area in front of the Water Gate, he read aloud from sunrise until
midday to the men, women, and those who could understand.
All the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
4 Ezra the scribe stood on a raised wood platform, which they had made
for the purpose. Beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah,
and Maaseiah on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, Mishael,
Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
5 (Jdg 3:20; 1Ki 8:14) Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people
(because he was above all the people), and, as he opened it, all the people
stood up.
6 (Ex 4:31; Ne 5:13)When Ezra blessed the Lord as the great God, all
the people responded "Amen, Amen!" By lifting up their hands as they bowed
their heads, they worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
7 (Ne 9:4; Ezr 10:22-23; Ne 3:23) Then Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub,
Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah,
and the Levites, explained the Law to the people while the people stood in
their place.
8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, with interpretation, and
they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
[2] And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men
and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first
day of the seventh month.
[3] And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate
from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that
could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the
book of the law.
[4] And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for
the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and
Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand,
Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah,
and Meshullam.
[5] And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was
above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
[6] And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered,
Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and
worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
[7] Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah,
Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused
the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.
[8] So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the
sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
Live the Word of God
9 (Ne 7:65; 7:70) Then Nehemiah the magistrate, Ezra the priest and scribe,
and the Levites who were teaching the people said to all the people, "This
day is holy to the Lord your God. Stop mourning and weeping." (This was
because all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law.)
10 (Dt 26:11-13; Est 9:19) Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat,
drink the sweet drink, and send portions to those for whom nothing is
prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy
of the Lord is your strength."
11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying,
"Hush! Because today is holy you should stop being so sorrowful."
12 (Ne 8:7-8) Then all the people went to eat, to drink, to send portions,
and to enjoy a great celebration because they had understood the words
declared to them.
[9] And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe,
and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day
is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people
wept, when they heard the words of the law.
[10] Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet,
and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is
holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your
strength.
[11] So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the
day is holy; neither be ye grieved.
[12] And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send
portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words
that were declared unto them.
The Feast of Tabernacles
Historical Accuracy
13 On the second day, the chiefs of the fathers' households
of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered to Ezra
the scribe in order to understand the words of the Law.
[13] And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers
of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even
to understand the words of the law.
14 (Lev 23:34) They found written in the Law where the Lord had commanded
by Moses that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast
of the seventh month,
15 (Lev 23:4; 23:40) and that they should publish and proclaim
in all their cities and in Jerusalem, "Go out to the hills
and bring olive branches, along with wild olive branches, myrtle branches,
palm branches, and other leafy branches to make booths, as it was written."
16 (2Ki 14:13; Ne 12:39) So the people went out and brought back branches
and made themselves booths. Each household did so on its roof, in their yard,
on the grounds of the house of God, in the area in front of the Water Gate,
or in the area at the Gate of Ephraim.
17 (2Ch 8:13; 7:8-10) All the congregation who had returned from captivity
made booths and lived in them. Not since the days of Joshua the son of Nun
to that day had the children of Israel done so, and there was a tremendously
great feast.
18 (Lev 23:36; Nu 29:35) And day by day, from the first day to the last day,
he read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the feast seven
days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly as required.
[14] And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by
Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of
the seventh month:
[15] And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in
Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and
pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick
trees, to make booths, as it is written.
[16] So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths,
every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts
of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street
of the gate of Ephraim.
[17] And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the
captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of
Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so.
And there was very great gladness.
[18] Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the
book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the
eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.
Nehemiah 9
The Israelites Confess Their Sins
Confession ... and repentance
1 (Jos 7:6; 1Sa 4:12) Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the children
of Israel were assembled with fasting and sackcloth,
and there was dirt on them.
2 (Ezr 10:11; Ne 13:3) The offspring of Israel separated themselves
from all the foreigners and then stood and confessed their sins
and the iniquities of their fathers.
3 (Ne 8:7-8) They stood in their place and read from the Book of the Law
of the Lord their God for a fourth of the day. And for another fourth,
they confessed and worshipped the Lord their God.
[1] Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel
were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.
[2] And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and
stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.
[3] And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the
LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they
confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
Worship ... recounting God's goodness and faithfulness
4 (Ne 8:7) Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani,
and Kenani stood up on the stairs of the Levites
and cried with a loud voice to the Lord their God.
5 (1Ch 29:13) Then the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah,
Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said:
"Stand up and bless the Lord your God forever and ever! Let them
bless Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.
6 (Ge 1:1; 2:1; 2Ki 19:15) You alone are the Lord. You have made heaven,
the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it,
the seas and all that is in them; and You preserve them all.
And the host of heaven worships You.
[4] Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani,
Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a
loud voice unto the LORD their God.
[5] Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah,
Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your
God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted
above all blessing and praise.
[6] Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of
heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein,
the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the
host of heaven worshippeth thee.
7 (Ge 11:31; 17:5) "You are the Lord God who chose Abram and brought him out
of Ur of the Chaldeans. You gave him the name Abraham
8 (Ge 15:6; 15:18-21)and found his heart faithful before You. And You made
a covenant with him to give him the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites,
the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, and the Girgashites-to give it
to his seed. Indeed, You have fulfilled Your words because You are righteous.
9 "When You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt and heard their cry
by the Red Sea,
10 (Jer 32:20; Da 9:15) You enacted signs and wonders against Pharaoh,
against all his servants, and against all the people of his land because
You knew how arrogantly they had acted against them. Thus, You made a name
for Yourself, as it is this day.
11 (Ps 78:13; Ex 14:21-22) You divided the sea before them, so they might
pass through the midst of the sea on dry ground, and cast their pursuers
into the deep like a stone into stormy waters.
12 (Ex 13:21-22; Ne 9:19) By day You led them with a pillar of cloud,
and by night with a pillar of fire to light the way for them to go.
13 (Ex 20:1; 19:11) "You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them
from heaven and gave them just requirements, true laws, good statutes
and commandments.
14 (Ge 2:3; Ex 20:8-11) You also revealed to them Your Holy Sabbath and,
by the hand of Moses Your servant, set in place for them the precepts,
statutes, and laws.
15 (Ex 17:6; Dt 1:8) You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger
and brought water out of the rock for them for their thirst. You told
them to enter in order to possess the land which You had sworn to give them.
[7] Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him
forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;
[8] And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with
him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the
Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to
his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous:
[9] And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their
cry by the Red sea;
[10] And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharoah, and on all his servants,
and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly
against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day.
[11] And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through
the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest
into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.
[12] Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the
night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should
go.
[13] Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from
heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and
commandments:
[14] And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them
precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:
[15] And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest
forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them
that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give
them.
Confession ... and repentance
16 (Dt 31:27; Ne 9:10) "But they and our fathers acted proudly and hardened
their necks and did not obey Your commandments.
[16] But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and
hearkened not to thy commandments,
The Attributes of God
17 (Ps 78:11; 86:5) They refused to obey and were not mindful of Your wonders
that You performed among them. But they hardened their necks and in their
rebellion appointed a leader to return to their bondage. But You are a God
ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding
in kindness, and did not forsake them.
[17] And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou
didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed
a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon,
gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest
them not.
18 (Ex 32:4-8) "Even when they had made themselves a molded calf and said,
'This is your god that brought you out of Egypt,'
and committed terrible provocations,
[18] Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God
that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations;
The Attributes of God
19 (Ne 9:12; 9:27) yet You in Your great mercy did not forsake them
in the wilderness: The pillar of the cloud did not depart from them by day,
to lead them in the way, nor the pillar of fire by night, to light for them
the way they should go.
[19] Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness:
the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the
way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way
wherein they should go.
20 (Nu 11:17; Ex 16:15) You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them,
did not withhold Your manna from their mouth, and gave them water
for their thirst.
21 (Dt 2:7; 8:4) Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness,
so that they lacked nothing-their clothing did not wear out
nor did their feet swell.
22 (Nu 21:21-35) "You gave them kingdoms and nations,
and You divided them as boundaries. They possessed the land of Sihon,
which was the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og,
the king of Bashan.
23 (Ge 15:5; 22:17) Their descendants You increased like the stars
of heaven, and You brought them into the land, which You had promised
to their fathers that they would enter and possess it.
24 (Jos 11:23; 18:1) So the descendants went in and possessed the land,
and You subdued for them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites,
and gave them into their hands-with their kings and the peoples of the land
-to do with them as they would.
[20] Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not
thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.
[21] Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that
they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.
[22] Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them
into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king
of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.
[23] Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and
broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their
fathers, that they should go in to possess it.
[24] So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst
before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them
into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they
might do with them as they would.
The Attributes of God
25 (Dt 32:15; 3:5) They captured unassailable cities and a fertile land.
They possessed houses full of all goods, wells dug, vineyards, olive groves,
and fruit trees in abundance, so they ate, were filled, and became fat,
and they indulged themselves in Your great goodness.
[25] And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full
of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in
abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted
themselves in thy great goodness.
Confession ... and repentance
26 (1Ki 14:9; Jdg 2:11-12) "Nevertheless they became disobedient,
and rebelled against You, and cast Your law behind their backs,
and killed Your prophets who had warned them to turn back to You.
But they committed terrible provocations.
[26] Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast
thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against
them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.
The Attributes of God
27 Therefore You delivered them into the hand of their enemies,
who afflicted them. When they cried to You in the time of their affliction,
You heard from heaven, and, according to Your abundant mercy, You gave them
deliverers who delivered them out of the hand of their enemies.
[27] Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who
vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee,
thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou
gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.
28 (Jdg 3:11-12; 3:30) "But after they had rest, they again did evil before
You. Therefore You abandoned them to the hand of their enemies, so that
they had dominion over them. Yet when they turned and cried to You,
You heard from heaven, and many times You delivered them according
to Your mercies.
29 (Ne 9:16; Lev 18:5) "You warned them in order to restore them again
to Your law, but they acted arrogantly and did not listen
to Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances
(which would enable a man to live, if he would do them),
stubbornly turning away and becoming belligerent so that
they would not hear.
[28] But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore
leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the
dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou
heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according
to thy mercies;
[29] And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto
thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments,
but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in
them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not
hear.
Confession ... and repentance
30 (Ne 9:20; Isa 42:24) For many years You endured them
and warned them by Your Spirit in Your prophets, yet they would not listen.
Therefore, You gave them into the hand of the people of the lands.
[30] Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by
thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest
thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
The Attributes of God
31 (Jer 4:27; Ne 9:17) Nevertheless, for the sake of Your abundant mercy,
You did not completely destroy them or forsake them.
Indeed, You are a gracious and merciful God.
[31] Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume
them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
32 (2Ki 17:3; Ne 1:5) "Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty,
and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and mercy, let not all the hardship,
since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day, that has come on us,
our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers,
and on all Your people seem insignificant to You.
[32] Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God,
who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before
thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our
priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people,
since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.
Confession ... and repentance
33 (Ge 18:25; Ps 106:6) You are righteous for everything that has come
upon us! You have acted faithfully while we have done wickedly.
[33] Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast
done right, but we have done wickedly:
34 For our kings, princes, priests, and fathers have failed to keep Your law
and did not obey Your commandments and Your warnings even when
You confronted them.
35 (Dt 28:47) For whether in their kingdom or in Your abundant goodness
(that You gave them) or in the spacious and fertile land
(that You set before them), they have neither served You nor turned away
from their wicked deeds.
36 (Dt 28:48; Ezr 9:9) "Here we are, slaves today. The land that You gave
to our fathers was for eating its fruit and its goodness.
Behold, we have become slaves on account of it,
37 (Dt 28:33; 28:51) because its abundant produce belongs to the kings
whom You have set over us due to our sins. They have control over our bodies
and over our livestock, as they please. We are in great distress."
Signatories to the Agreement
38 (Ne 10:1; 10:29) So on the basis of all this, we are executing
a written agreement that is being sealed by our princes, Levites,
and priests.
[34] Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept
thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith
thou didst testify against them.
[35] For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great
goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou
gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
[36] Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest
unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we
are servants in it:
[37] And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us
because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our
cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
[38] And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our
princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.
Nehemiah 10
Signatories of the Covenant
1 (Ne 9:38; 1:1) Now the names of those on the sealed agreement were:
Nehemiah, the magistrate, the son of Hakaliah,
and Zedekiah.
2 Next were Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,
3 Pashhur, Amariah, Malkijah,
4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluk,
5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,
6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,
7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,
8 Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah.
These were the priests.
9 The Levites were:
Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, and Kadmiel,
10 along with their relatives Shebaniah,
Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,
11 Mika, Rehob, Hashabiah,
12 Zakkur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
13 Hodiah, Bani, and Beninu.
14 (Ne 7:8; 7:11-13) The leaders of the people were:
Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,
15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,
16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur,
18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai,
19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,
20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,
21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua,
22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,
23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub,
24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek,
25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,
26 Ahiah, Hanan, Anan,
27 Malluk, Harim, and Baanah.
Summary of the Covenant
28 (Ne 9:2) The remainder of the people, the priests, the Levites,
the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all those who
on the basis of the Law of God separated themselves from the people
of the lands-their wives, their sons, and their daughters, that is,
every one capable of knowledge and understanding-
29 (Ps 119:106;2Ki 23:3) have decisively joined in with their countrymen
and their nobles, and obligated themselves-by both a curse and an oath-to
walk in the Law of God, which was given by Moses the servant of God,
and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord who is our Lord,
along with His judgments and His statutes
30 (Ex 34:16; Dt 7:3) so that we will not give our daughters
to the people of the land nor take their daughters for our sons.
31 (Ex 23:10-11; Ne 13:15-22) If the people of the land bring merchandise
or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them
on the Sabbath or a holy day. We will also renounce the seventh year harvest
and the full payment of every debt.
32 (Ex 30:11-16) We also establish for ourselves the ordinance to collect
from ourselves annually one-third of a shekel for the service of the house
of our God:
33 (2Ch 2:4; Lev 24:5-6) for the showbread, the continual grain offering,
the continual burnt offering, the Sabbaths, the New Moons, the appointed
feasts, the holy things, and the sin offerings to make an atonement for
Israel, as well as for all the work of the house of our God.
34 (Ne 13:31; Isa 40:16) Also, we cast lots to determine the duty
of the supply of wood that the priests, the Levites,
and the people-according to the houses of our fathers,
being set by annually appointed times-might bring to the house of our God,
in order to burn it on the altar of the Lord our God,
as it is written in the Law;
35 (Ex 23:19; Dt 26:2) and, likewise, for the annual bringing
of the first fruits of our ground and the first fruits of all fruit
of all trees to the house of the Lord;
36 (Ex 13:2; Lev 27:26-27) and for bringing to the priests
who are ministering at the house of God, the firstborn of our sons
and livestock, as it is written in the Law, plus the firstborn
of our herds and flocks.
37 (Lev 23:17; Nu 18:21) Moreover, the first of our fresh dough,
our contributions, the fruit of every tree, and the new wine and oil we will
bring to the priests at the chambers of the house of our God, but the tithe
of our crops we will bring to the Levites, since they themselves receive
the tithes in all our agricultural cities.
38 (Ne 13:12-13) There must be a priest, a descendant of Aaron,
with the Levites when they are collecting tithes, and the Levites
will offer a tenth of the tithes to the house of our God,
for the chambers of the storehouse.
39 (2Ch 31:12) Both the children of Israel and the Levites
should bring the contribution of the grain, new wine,
and the fresh oil to the chambers because the vessels of the sanctuary
and the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers are there.
We resolve not to forsake the house of our God.
[1] Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of
Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,
[2] Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,
[3] Pashur, Amariah, Malchijah,
[4] Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,
[5] Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,
[6] Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,
[7] Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,
[8] Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests.
[9] And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons
of Henadad, Kadmiel;
[10] And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,
[11] Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah,
[12] Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
[13] Hodijah, Bani, Beninu.
[14] The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,
[15] Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,
[16] Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
[17] Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur,
[18] Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai,
[19] Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,
[20] Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,
[21] Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua,
[22] Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,
[23] Hoshea, Hananiah, Hashub,
[24] Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek,
[25] Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,
[26] And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan,
[27] Malluch, Harim, Baanah.
[28] And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the
singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the
people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their
daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;
[29] They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse,
and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant
of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and
his judgments and his statutes;
[30] And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land,
nor take their daughters for our sons:
[31] And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath
day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy
day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every
debt.
[32] Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the
third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;
[33] For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the
continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set
feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an
atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.
[34] And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people,
for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the
houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the
altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:
[35] And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all
fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:
[36] Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in
the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the
house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God:
[37] And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our
offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto
the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our
ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all
the cities of our tillage.
[38] And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the
Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes
unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.
[39] For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the
offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where
are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the
porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.
2) Our Daily Bread for 24 September 2026 titled
Words from Friends
Job 2:7-13
7 Therefore, the Adversary went out from the presence of the Lord, and he
afflicted Job with severe sores from the sole of his foot to the top of his
head.
8 So he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself
while he was sitting among the ashes.
9 His wife said to him, "Are you
still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die."
10 He said to her, "You talk like one of the foolish women talks. Will we
indeed accept the good from God but not accept the adversity?" In all this
Job did not sin with his lips.
11 Three friends of Job heard about all this evil that had come upon him,
and each one came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the
Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They had agreed together to come to
mourn with him and to comfort him.
12 They saw him from a distance and did not recognize him, so they wept aloud.
Each one tore his robe, and they tossed dust into the air above their heads.
13 Then they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights.
Meanwhile, no one was speaking to him at all because they saw that
his pain was severe. (Are these friends who will really comfort?)
[7] So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with
sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.
[8] And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down
among the ashes.
[9] Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity?
curse God, and die.
[10] But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women
speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not
receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
[11] Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon
him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and
Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an
appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.
[12] And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they
lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and
sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.
[13] So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights,
and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
As I sat in a Bible class at the age of twenty-six, I was baffled. Some of my
classmates' comments were discouraging. They seemed to have so many problems.
I responded by asking, "If we're Christians, why are we so down? Don't we know
how this thing really ends?" I was referring to the promise of eternal life in
Christ but also to the many promises in the Bible of God's care for His
people. The instructor simply smiled and moved on.
But my comment has stuck with me for years.
Eventually life hit me. Job loss, bereavement, illness, and more led me to
feel discouraged. Yes, God's promises are comforting and true, but they don't
promise an easy life. Jesus said we "will have trouble" (John 16:33).
Quite naturally, we feel the impact of such troubles, just as a man named Job
did. He was tested, and it hit him hard: He lost his children, his property,
and his health (Job 1:13-20; 2:7). His friends came to visit him to console
him (2:11-13). In the beginning they simply supported their friend quietly,
noting "how great his suffering was" (v. 13). But then they began asking
unhelpful questions, not too dissimilar to the one I posed in Bible class.
As we encounter others going through trouble, the Holy Spirit can help us
respond with love and compassion. And as we experience sorrow, we can
remember the comfort of God's promises.
By: Katara Patton
Reflect & Pray
How has a friend helped you during a rough time?
How can you help others by using sensitivity and discernment?
Loving God, please teach me to use wisdom when sympathising with others.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 5 When you pray
Mark 11:25
25 And when you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone,
so that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your sins.
25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any:
that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
"My prayer don't seem to be very effective," a man told his pastor." I try
to make contact with God, but my prayers seem to hit the ceiling and bounce
back."
The pastor thought for a moment, then gently suggested,
"Is there someone in your life you haven't forgiven?"
"What do you mean?" The man's face flushed; the pastor has obviuosly struck
a nerve. "Well, I guess I've had some struggles with my mother ... and then,
my wife, and I ... ." The hidden truth came to light: the man was bound in
unforgiving relationships with five of the closest people to him.
Forgiveness is an essential element in prayer. For a very good reason,
worship services in liturgical churches place the confession of sin and the
absolution near the beginning of the service, before the reading of God's
Word, prayer, and the sermon. Forgiveness - both the Lord's forgiveness
of us and our forgiveness of others - clears the way for unhindered
communication between God and his people.
When we carry anger and bitterness, or even deeply buried, well-subliminated
unforgiveness, into the presence of God, our prayers will be affected. We can,
however, free the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and the lives of others
through forgiveness. We can choose to forgive in light of God's forgiveness
of us. And when we do, the channels are re-established;
we can pray in power and open ourselves to an awareness of his activity
in our lives.
Application
a) Have my prayers ever been affected by unforgiveness in my life?
b) Is there someone in my life whom I need to forgive,
whether or not I can work toward?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Deut 30:19-20
19 (Dt 4:26; 30:1) I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.
Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 (Dt 10:20; Ps 27:1) that you may love the Lord your God,
that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him,
for He is your life and the length of your days;
and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord
swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 that thou mayest love the LORD thy God,
and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:
for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:
that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD
sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Freeing Forgiveness
Ps 103:1-14
PSALMS 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits,
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,
who heals all your diseases,
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The Lord does righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the people of Israel.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) He will not always accuse,
neither will He keep his anger forever.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) He does not treat us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.
14 For He knows how we are formed;
He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment
For all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses,
His acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide:
Neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,
So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children,
So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame;
He remembereth that we are dust.
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
Day 24 of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Canadian Society. (
Col 4:3
3 while praying also for us, that God would open to
us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in chains,
3 withal praying also for us, that God would open unto
us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in bonds:
)
b) Pray for the Province of Saskatchewan
I) Pray for the leaders of Saskatchewan,
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
)
Pray to the Lord and pray for repentance and integrity in your life.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving God, please teach me to use wisdom
when sympathising with others."
Pray to the Lord and pray to forgive those who you have not forgiven yet.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord.
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 the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Canadian Society.
Pray that amid Bahrain's
religious, political and economic tensions,
Muslims will experience Jesus' love.
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.