ESV: Digging Deep into the Bible

ESV: Digging Deep into the Bible

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ESV: Digging Deep into the Bible episodes

  • January 11: Psalm 10; Genesis 11; 1 Chronicles 11; Luke 7:1–35
    Psalms and Wisdom:
    Psalm 10
    Psalm 10 (Listen)
    Why Do You Hide Yourself?

    10   Why, O LORD, do you stand far away?
        Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
    2   In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor;
        let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.
    3   For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,
        and the one greedy for gain cursesOr and he blesses the one greedy for gain">1 and renounces the LORD.
    4   In the pride of his faceOr of his anger">2 the wicked does not seek him;Or the wicked says, “He will not call to account”">3
        all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
    5   His ways prosper at all times;
        your judgments are on high, out of his sight;
        as for all his foes, he puffs at them.
    6   He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved;
        throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.”
    7   His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression;
        under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.
    8   He sits in ambush in the villages;
        in hiding places he murders the innocent.
      His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless;
    9     he lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket;
      he lurks that he may seize the poor;
        he seizes the poor when he draws him into his net.
    10   The helpless are crushed, sink down,
        and fall by his might.
    11   He says in his heart, “God has forgotten,
        he has hidden his face, he will never see it.”
    12   Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand;
        forget not the afflicted.
    13   Why does the wicked renounce God
        and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”?
    14   But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,
        that you may take it into your hands;
      to you the helpless commits himself;
        you have been the helper of the fatherless.
    15   Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;
        call his wickedness to account till you find none.
    16   The LORD is king forever and ever;
        the nations perish from his land.
    17   O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
        you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
    18   to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
        so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

    Footnotes

    [1] 10:3 Or and he blesses the one greedy for gain


    [2] 10:4 Or of his anger

    [3] 10:4 Or the wicked says, “He will not call to account”

    (ESV)

    Pentateuch and History:
    Genesis 11
    Genesis 11 (Listen)
    The Tower of Babel

    11 Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. 2 And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. 3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” 5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. 6 And the LORD said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.” 8 So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. 9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confusedBabel sounds like the Hebrew for confused">1 the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth.

    Shem's Descendants

    10 These are the generations of Shem. When Shem was 100 years old, he fathered Arpachshad two years after the flood. 11 And Shem lived after he fathered Arpachshad 500 years and had other sons and daughters.

    12 When Arpachshad had lived 35 years, he fathered Shelah. 13 And Arpachshad lived after he fathered Shelah 403 years and had other sons and daughters.

    14 When Shelah had lived 30 years, he fathered Eber. 15 And Shelah lived after he fathered Eber 403 years and had other sons and daughters.

    16 When Eber had lived 34 years, he fathered Peleg. 17 And Eber lived after he fathered Peleg 430 years and had other sons and daughters.

    18 When Peleg had lived 30 years, he fathered Reu. 19 And Peleg lived after he fathered Reu 209 years and had other sons and daughters.

    20 When Reu had lived 32 years, he fathered Serug. 21 And Reu lived after he fathered Serug 207 years and had other sons and daughters.

    22 When Serug had lived 30 years, he fathered Nahor. 23 And Serug lived after he fathered Nahor 200 years and had other sons and daughters.

    24 When Nahor had lived 29 years, he fathered Terah. 25 And Nahor lived after he fathered Terah 119 years and had other sons and daughters.

    26 When Terah had lived 70 years, he fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

    Terah's Descendants

    27 Now these are the generations of Terah. Terah fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran fathered Lot. 28 Haran died in the presence of his father Terah in the land of his kindred, in Ur of the Chaldeans. 29 And Abram and Nahor took wives. The name of Abram's wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran the father of Milcah and Iscah. 30 Now Sarai was barren; she had no child.

    31 Terah took Abram his son and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife, and they went forth together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan, but when they came to Haran, they settled there. 32 The days of Terah were 205 years, and Terah died in Haran.

    Footnotes

    [1] 11:9 Babel sounds like the Hebrew for confused

    (ESV)

    Chronicles and Prophets:
    1 Chronicles 11
    1 Chronicles 11 (Listen)
    David Anointed King

    11 Then all Israel gathered together to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh. 2 In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the LORD your God said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel.’” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD. And they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.

    David Takes Jerusalem

    4 And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, that is, Jebus, where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land. 5 The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You will not come in here.” Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. 6 David said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. 7 And David lived in the stronghold; therefore it was called the city of David. 8 And he built the city all around from the Millo in complete circuit, and Joab repaired the rest of the city. 9 And David became greater and greater, for the LORD of hosts was with him.

    David's Mighty Men

    10 Now these are the chiefs of David's mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. 11 This is an account of David's mighty men: Jashobeam, a Hachmonite, was chief of the three.Compare 2 Samuel 23:8; Hebrew thirty, or captains">1 He wielded his spear against 300 whom he killed at one time.

    12 And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite. 13 He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines were gathered there for battle. There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the men fled from the Philistines. 14 But he took hisCompare 2 Samuel 23:12; Hebrew they . . . their">2 stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and killed the Philistines. And the LORD saved them by a great victory.

    15 Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David at the cave of Adullam, when the army of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 16 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. 17 And David said longingly, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” 18 Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David. But David would not drink it. He poured it out to the LORD 19 and said, “Far be it from me before my God that I should do this. Shall I drink the lifeblood of these men? For at the risk of their lives they brought it.” Therefore he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men.

    20 Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the thirty.Syriac; Hebrew three">3 And he wielded his spear against 300 men and killed them and won a name beside the three. 21 He was the most renownedCompare 2 Samuel 23:19; Hebrew more renowned among the two">4 of the thirtySyriac; Hebrew three">5 and became their commander, but he did not attain to the three.

    22 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant manSyriac; Hebrew the son of a valiant man">6 of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds. He struck down two heroes of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen. 23 And he struck down an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubitsA cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters">7 tall. The Egyptian had in his hand a spear like a weaver's beam, but Benaiah went down to him with a staff and snatched the spear out of the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear. 24 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and won a name beside the three mighty men. 25 He was renowned among the thirty, but he did not attain to the three. And David set him over his bodyguard.

    26 The mighty men were Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 27 Shammoth of Harod,Compare 2 Samuel 23:25; Hebrew the Harorite">8 Helez the Pelonite, 28 Ira the son of Ikkesh of Tekoa, Abiezer of Anathoth, 29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, 30 Maharai of Netophah, Heled the son of Baanah of Netophah, 31 Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the people of Benjamin, Benaiah of Pirathon, 32 Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, 33 Azmaveth of Baharum, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, 34 HashemCompare Septuagint and 2 Samuel 23:32; Hebrew the sons of Hashem">9 the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shagee the Hararite, 35 Ahiam the son of Sachar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur, 36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite, 37 Hezro of Carmel, Naarai the son of Ezbai, 38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Hagri, 39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai of Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, 40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 41 Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai, 42 Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a leader of the Reubenites, and thirty with him, 43 Hanan the son of Maacah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite, 44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, 45 Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite, 46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite, 47 Eliel, and Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

    Footnotes

    [1] 11:11 Compare 2 Samuel 23:8; Hebrew thirty, or captains


    [2] 11:14 Compare 2 Samuel 23:12; Hebrew they . . . their

    [3] 11:20 Syriac; Hebrew three

    [4] 11:21 Compare 2 Samuel 23:19; Hebrew more renowned among the two

    [5] 11:21 Syriac; Hebrew three

    [6] 11:22 Syriac; Hebrew the son of a valiant man

    [7] 11:23 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters

    [8] 11:27 Compare 2 Samuel 23:25; Hebrew the Harorite

    [9] 11:34 Compare Septuagint and 2 Samuel 23:32; Hebrew the sons of Hashem

    (ESV)

    Gospels and Epistles:
    Luke 7:1–35
    Luke 7:1–35 (Listen)
    Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant

    7 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servantOr bondservant; also verses 3, 8, 10">1 who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurionGreek he">2 heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

    Jesus Raises a Widow's Son

    11 Soon afterwardSome manuscripts The next day">3 he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and JesusGreek he">4 gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” 17 And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.

    Messengers from John the Baptist

    18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepersLeprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13">5 are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

    24 When John's messengers had gone, JesusGreek he">6 began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings' courts. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written,

      “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
        who will prepare your way before you.’

    28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just,Greek they justified God">7 having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30 but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)

    31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another,

      “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
        we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’

    33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.”

    Footnotes

    [1] 7:2 Or bondservant; also verses 3, 8, 10


    [2] 7:3 Greek he

    [3] 7:11 Some manuscripts The next day

    [4] 7:15 Greek he

    [5] 7:22 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13

    [6] 7:24 Greek he

    [7] 7:29 Greek they justified God

    (ESV)

    17 min
  • January 10: Psalm 9; Genesis 9:20–10:32; 1 Chronicles 10; Luke 6:17–49
    Psalms and Wisdom:
    Psalm 9
    Psalm 9 (Listen)
    I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds
    To the choirmaster: according to Muth-labben.Probably a musical or liturgical term">1 A Psalm of David.

    9   I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;
        I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
    2   I will be glad and exult in you;
        I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
    3   When my enemies turn back,
        they stumble and perish beforeOr because of">2 your presence.
    4   For you have maintained my just cause;
        you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.
    5   You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish;
        you have blotted out their name forever and ever.
    6   The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins;
        their cities you rooted out;
        the very memory of them has perished.
    7   But the LORD sits enthroned forever;
        he has established his throne for justice,
    8   and he judges the world with righteousness;
        he judges the peoples with uprightness.
    9   The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed,
        a stronghold in times of trouble.
    10   And those who know your name put their trust in you,
        for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
    11   Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion!
        Tell among the peoples his deeds!
    12   For he who avenges blood is mindful of them;
        he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
    13   Be gracious to me, O LORD!
        See my affliction from those who hate me,
        O you who lift me up from the gates of death,
    14   that I may recount all your praises,
        that in the gates of the daughter of Zion
        I may rejoice in your salvation.
    15   The nations have sunk in the pit that they made;
        in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught.
    16   The LORD has made himself known; he has executed judgment;
        the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion.Probably a musical or liturgical term">3 Selah
    17   The wicked shall return to Sheol,
        all the nations that forget God.
    18   For the needy shall not always be forgotten,
        and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.
    19   Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail;
        let the nations be judged before you!
    20   Put them in fear, O LORD!
        Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah

    Footnotes

    [1] 9:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term


    [2] 9:3 Or because of

    [3] 9:16 Probably a musical or liturgical term

    (ESV)

    Pentateuch and History:
    Genesis 9:20–10:32
    Genesis 9:20–10:32 (Listen)

    20 Noah began to be a man of the soil, and he planted a vineyard.Or Noah, a man of the soil, was the first to plant a vineyard">1 21 He drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent. 22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside. 23 Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned backward, and they did not see their father's nakedness. 24 When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, 25 he said,

      “Cursed be Canaan;
        a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.”

    26 He also said,

      “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem;
        and let Canaan be his servant.
    27   May God enlarge Japheth,Japheth sounds like the Hebrew for enlarge">2
        and let him dwell in the tents of Shem,
        and let Canaan be his servant.”

    28 After the flood Noah lived 350 years. 29 All the days of Noah were 950 years, and he died.

    Nations Descended from Noah

    10 These are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood.

    2 The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. 3 The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. 4 The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. 5 From these the coastland peoples spread in their lands, each with his own language, by their clans, in their nations.

    6 The sons of Ham: Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan. 7 The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan. 8 Cush fathered Nimrod; he was the first on earth to be a mighty man.Or he began to be a mighty man on the earth">3 9 He was a mighty hunter before the LORD. Therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the LORD.” 10 The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. 11 From that land he went into Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah, and 12 Resen between Nineveh and Calah; that is the great city. 13 Egypt fathered Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, 14 Pathrusim, Casluhim (from whomOr from where">4 the Philistines came), and Caphtorim.

    15 Canaan fathered Sidon his firstborn and Heth, 16 and the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, 17 the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites, 18 the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Afterward the clans of the Canaanites dispersed. 19 And the territory of the Canaanites extended from Sidon in the direction of Gerar as far as Gaza, and in the direction of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha. 20 These are the sons of Ham, by their clans, their languages, their lands, and their nations.

    21 To Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the elder brother of Japheth, children were born. 22 The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram. 23 The sons of Aram: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Mash. 24 Arpachshad fathered Shelah; and Shelah fathered Eber. 25 To Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg,Peleg means division">5 for in his days the earth was divided, and his brother's name was Joktan. 26 Joktan fathered Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 27 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 28 Obal, Abimael, Sheba, 29 Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab; all these were the sons of Joktan. 30 The territory in which they lived extended from Mesha in the direction of Sephar to the hill country of the east. 31 These are the sons of Shem, by their clans, their languages, their lands, and their nations.

    32 These are the clans of the sons of Noah, according to their genealogies, in their nations, and from these the nations spread abroad on the earth after the flood.

    Footnotes

    [1] 9:20 Or Noah, a man of the soil, was the first to plant a vineyard


    [2] 9:27 Japheth sounds like the Hebrew for enlarge

    [3] 10:8 Or he began to be a mighty man on the earth

    [4] 10:14 Or from where

    [5] 10:25 Peleg means division

    (ESV)

    Chronicles and Prophets:
    1 Chronicles 10
    1 Chronicles 10 (Listen)
    The Death of Saul and His Sons

    10 Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. 2 And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. 3 The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was wounded by the archers. 4 Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and mistreat me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. 5 And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died. 6 Thus Saul died; he and his three sons and all his house died together. 7 And when all the men of Israel who were in the valley saw that the armyHebrew they">1 had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled, and the Philistines came and lived in them.

    8 The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 9 And they stripped him and took his head and his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to carry the good news to their idols and to the people. 10 And they put his armor in the temple of their gods and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon. 11 But when all Jabesh-gilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all the valiant men arose and took away the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh. And they buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh and fasted seven days.

    13 So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the LORD in that he did not keep the command of the LORD, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. 14 He did not seek guidance from the LORD. Therefore the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.

    Footnotes

    [1] 10:7 Hebrew they

    (ESV)

    Gospels and Epistles:
    Luke 6:17–49
    Luke 6:17–49 (Listen)
    Jesus Ministers to a Great Multitude

    17 And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, 18 who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.

    The Beatitudes

    20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:

    “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

    21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.

    “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

    22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

    Jesus Pronounces Woes

    24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.

    25 “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.

    “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.

    26 “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.

    Love Your Enemies

    27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunicGreek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin">1 either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

    32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

    Judging Others

    37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

    39 He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.

    A Tree and Its Fruit

    43 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

    Build Your House on the Rock

    46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.Some manuscripts founded upon the rock">2 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”

    Footnotes

    [1] 6:29 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin


    [2] 6:48 Some manuscripts founded upon the rock

    (ESV)

    14 min
  • January 9: Psalm 8; Genesis 8:20–9:19; 1 Chronicles 9; Luke 5–6:16
    Psalms and Wisdom:
    Psalm 8
    Psalm 8 (Listen)
    How Majestic Is Your Name
    To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith.Probably a musical or liturgical term">1 A Psalm of David.

    8   O LORD, our Lord,
        how majestic is your name in all the earth!
      You have set your glory above the heavens.
    2     Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
      you have established strength because of your foes,
        to still the enemy and the avenger.
    3   When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
        the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
    4   what is man that you are mindful of him,
        and the son of man that you care for him?
    5   Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beingsOr than God; Septuagint than the angels">2
        and crowned him with glory and honor.
    6   You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
        you have put all things under his feet,
    7   all sheep and oxen,
        and also the beasts of the field,
    8   the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
        whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
    9   O LORD, our Lord,
        how majestic is your name in all the earth!

    Footnotes

    [1] 8:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term


    [2] 8:5 Or than God; Septuagint than the angels

    (ESV)

    Pentateuch and History:
    Genesis 8:20–9:19
    Genesis 8:20–9:19 (Listen)
    God's Covenant with Noah

    20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, “I will never again curseOr dishonor">1 the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. 22 While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”

    9 And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. 2 The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth and upon every bird of the heavens, upon everything that creeps on the ground and all the fish of the sea. Into your hand they are delivered. 3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. 4 But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. 5 And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man.

    6   “Whoever sheds the blood of man,
        by man shall his blood be shed,
      for God made man in his own image.

    7 And you,In Hebrew you is plural">2 be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly on the earth and multiply in it.”

    8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. 11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

    Noah's Descendants

    18 The sons of Noah who went forth from the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. (Ham was the father of Canaan.) 19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the people of the whole earth were dispersed.Or from these the whole earth was populated">3

    Footnotes

    [1] 8:21 Or dishonor


    [2] 9:7 In Hebrew you is plural

    [3] 9:19 Or from these the whole earth was populated

    (ESV)

    Chronicles and Prophets:
    1 Chronicles 9
    1 Chronicles 9 (Listen)
    A Genealogy of the Returned Exiles

    9 So all Israel was recorded in genealogies, and these are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their breach of faith. 2 Now the first to dwell again in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants. 3 And some of the people of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem: 4 Uthai the son of Ammihud, son of Omri, son of Imri, son of Bani, from the sons of Perez the son of Judah. 5 And of the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn, and his sons. 6 Of the sons of Zerah: Jeuel and their kinsmen, 690. 7 Of the Benjaminites: Sallu the son of Meshullam, son of Hodaviah, son of Hassenuah, 8 Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, Elah the son of Uzzi, son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephatiah, son of Reuel, son of Ibnijah; 9 and their kinsmen according to their generations, 956. All these were heads of fathers' houses according to their fathers' houses.

    10 Of the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jachin, 11 and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, son of Meshullam, son of Zadok, son of Meraioth, son of Ahitub, the chief officer of the house of God; 12 and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, son of Pashhur, son of Malchijah, and Maasai the son of Adiel, son of Jahzerah, son of Meshullam, son of Meshillemith, son of Immer; 13 besides their kinsmen, heads of their fathers' houses, 1,760, mighty men for the work of the service of the house of God.

    14 Of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, son of Azrikam, son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari; 15 and Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal and Mattaniah the son of Mica, son of Zichri, son of Asaph; 16 and Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, son of Galal, son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites.

    17 The gatekeepers were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their kinsmen (Shallum was the chief); 18 until then they were in the king's gate on the east side as the gatekeepers of the camps of the Levites. 19 Shallum the son of Kore, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, and his kinsmen of his fathers' house, the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent, as their fathers had been in charge of the camp of the LORD, keepers of the entrance. 20 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the chief officer over them in time past; the LORD was with him. 21 Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was gatekeeper at the entrance of the tent of meeting. 22 All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were 212. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and Samuel the seer established them in their office of trust. 23 So they and their sons were in charge of the gates of the house of the LORD, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. 24 The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south. 25 And their kinsmen who were in their villages were obligated to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with these, 26 for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted to be over the chambers and the treasures of the house of God. 27 And they lodged around the house of God, for on them lay the duty of watching, and they had charge of opening it every morning.

    28 Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. 29 Others of them were appointed over the furniture and over all the holy utensils, also over the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the incense, and the spices. 30 Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices, 31 and Mattithiah, one of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with making the flat cakes. 32 Also some of their kinsmen of the Kohathites had charge of the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.

    33 Now these, the singers, the heads of fathers' houses of the Levites, were in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night. 34 These were heads of fathers' houses of the Levites, according to their generations, leaders. These lived in Jerusalem.

    Saul's Genealogy Repeated

    35 In Gibeon lived the father of Gibeon, Jeiel, and the name of his wife was Maacah, 36 and his firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, 37 Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth; 38 and Mikloth was the father of Shimeam; and these also lived opposite their kinsmen in Jerusalem, with their kinsmen. 39 Ner fathered Kish, Kish fathered Saul, Saul fathered Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal. 40 And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal, and Merib-baal fathered Micah. 41 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz.Compare 8:35; Hebrew lacks and Ahaz">1 42 And Ahaz fathered Jarah, and Jarah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. And Zimri fathered Moza. 43 Moza fathered Binea, and Rephaiah was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. 44 Azel had six sons and these are their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan; these were the sons of Azel.

    Footnotes

    [1] 9:41 Compare 8:35; Hebrew lacks and Ahaz

    (ESV)

    Gospels and Epistles:
    Luke 5–6:16
    Luke 5–6:16 (Listen)
    Jesus Calls the First Disciples

    5 On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women">1 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

    Jesus Cleanses a Leper

    12 While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy.Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13">2 And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 13 And JesusGreek he">3 stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 15 But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

    Jesus Heals a Paralytic

    17 On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal.Some manuscripts was present to heal them">4 18 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 25 And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. 26 And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”

    Jesus Calls Levi

    27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.

    29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

    A Question About Fasting

    33 And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.” 34 And Jesus said to them, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” 36 He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39 And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’”Some manuscripts better">5

    Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath

    6 On a Sabbath,Some manuscripts On the second first Sabbath (that is, on the second Sabbath after the first)">6 while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” 3 And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” 5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

    A Man with a Withered Hand

    6 On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

    The Twelve Apostles

    12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15 and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

    Footnotes

    [1] 5:10 The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women


    [2] 5:12 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13

    [3] 5:13 Greek he

    [4] 5:17 Some manuscripts was present to heal them

    [5] 5:39 Some manuscripts better

    [6] 6:1 Some manuscripts On the second first Sabbath (that is, on the second Sabbath after the first)

    (ESV)

    17 min
  • January 8: Psalm 7; Genesis 8:1–19; 1 Chronicles 8; Luke 4:14–44
    Psalms and Wisdom:
    Psalm 7
    Psalm 7 (Listen)
    In You Do I Take Refuge
    A ShiggaionProbably a musical or liturgical term">1 of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjaminite.

    7   O LORD my God, in you do I take refuge;
        save me from all my pursuers and deliver me,
    2   lest like a lion they tear my soul apart,
        rending it in pieces, with none to deliver.
    3   O LORD my God, if I have done this,
        if there is wrong in my hands,
    4   if I have repaid my friendHebrew the one at peace with me">2 with evil
        or plundered my enemy without cause,
    5   let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it,
        and let him trample my life to the ground
        and lay my glory in the dust. Selah
    6   Arise, O LORD, in your anger;
        lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies;
        awake for me; you have appointed a judgment.
    7   Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered about you;
        over it return on high.
    8   The LORD judges the peoples;
        judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness
        and according to the integrity that is in me.
    9   Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end,
        and may you establish the righteous—
      you who test the minds and hearts,Hebrew the hearts and kidneys">3
        O righteous God!
    10   My shield is with God,
        who saves the upright in heart.
    11   God is a righteous judge,
        and a God who feels indignation every day.
    12   If a manHebrew he">4 does not repent, GodHebrew he">5 will whet his sword;
        he has bent and readied his bow;
    13   he has prepared for him his deadly weapons,
        making his arrows fiery shafts.
    14   Behold, the wicked man conceives evil
        and is pregnant with mischief
        and gives birth to lies.
    15   He makes a pit, digging it out,
        and falls into the hole that he has made.
    16   His mischief returns upon his own head,
        and on his own skull his violence descends.
    17   I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness,
        and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.

    Footnotes

    [1] 7:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term


    [2] 7:4 Hebrew the one at peace with me

    [3] 7:9 Hebrew the hearts and kidneys

    [4] 7:12 Hebrew he

    [5] 7:12 Hebrew he

    (ESV)

    Pentateuch and History:
    Genesis 8:1–19
    Genesis 8:1–19 (Listen)
    The Flood Subsides

    8 But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided. 2 The fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were closed, the rain from the heavens was restrained, 3 and the waters receded from the earth continually. At the end of 150 days the waters had abated, 4 and in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. 5 And the waters continued to abate until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen.

    6 At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made 7 and sent forth a raven. It went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth. 8 Then he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters had subsided from the face of the ground. 9 But the dove found no place to set her foot, and she returned to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her and brought her into the ark with him. 10 He waited another seven days, and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark. 11 And the dove came back to him in the evening, and behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth. 12 Then he waited another seven days and sent forth the dove, and she did not return to him anymore.

    13 In the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried from off the earth. And Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and behold, the face of the ground was dry. 14 In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth had dried out. 15 Then God said to Noah, 16 “Go out from the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons' wives with you. 17 Bring out with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh—birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth—that they may swarm on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” 18 So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him. 19 Every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out by families from the ark.

    (ESV)

    Chronicles and Prophets:
    1 Chronicles 8
    1 Chronicles 8 (Listen)
    A Genealogy of Saul

    8 Benjamin fathered Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third, 2 Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. 3 And Bela had sons: Addar, Gera, Abihud, 4 Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, 5 Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram. 6 These are the sons of Ehud (they were heads of fathers' houses of the inhabitants of Geba, and they were carried into exile to Manahath): 7 Naaman,Hebrew and Naaman">1 Ahijah, and Gera, that is, Heglam, who fatheredOr Gera; he carried them into exile and fathered">2 Uzza and Ahihud. 8 And Shaharaim fathered sons in the country of Moab after he had sent away Hushim and Baara his wives. 9 He fathered sons by Hodesh his wife: Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, 10 Jeuz, Sachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of fathers' houses. 11 He also fathered sons by Hushim: Abitub and Elpaal. 12 The sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod with its towns, 13 and Beriah and Shema (they were heads of fathers' houses of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who caused the inhabitants of Gath to flee); 14 and Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth. 15 Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, 16 Michael, Ishpah, and Joha were sons of Beriah. 17 Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber, 18 Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal. 19 Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi, 20 Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, 21 Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei. 22 Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, 23 Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, 24 Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, 25 Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the sons of Shashak. 26 Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, 27 Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri were the sons of Jeroham. 28 These were the heads of fathers' houses, according to their generations, chief men. These lived in Jerusalem.

    29 JeielCompare 9:35; Hebrew lacks Jeiel">3 the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon, and the name of his wife was Maacah. 30 His firstborn son: Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, 31 Gedor, Ahio, Zecher, 32 and Mikloth (he fathered Shimeah). Now these also lived opposite their kinsmen in Jerusalem, with their kinsmen. 33 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish of Saul, Saul of Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab and Eshbaal; 34 and the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal; and Merib-baal was the father of Micah. 35 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. 36 Ahaz fathered Jehoaddah, and Jehoaddah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri fathered Moza. 37 Moza fathered Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. 38 Azel had six sons, and these are their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. 39 The sons of Eshek his brother: Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third. 40 The sons of Ulam were men who were mighty warriors, bowmen, having many sons and grandsons, 150. All these were Benjaminites.

    Footnotes

    [1] 8:7 Hebrew and Naaman


    [2] 8:7 Or Gera; he carried them into exile and fathered

    [3] 8:29 Compare 9:35; Hebrew lacks Jeiel

    (ESV)

    Gospels and Epistles:
    Luke 4:14–44
    Luke 4:14–44 (Listen)
    Jesus Begins His Ministry

    14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

    Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

    16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,

    18   “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
        because he has anointed me
        to proclaim good news to the poor.
      He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
        and recovering of sight to the blind,
        to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
    19   to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

    20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph's son?” 23 And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘“Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’” 24 And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepersLeprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13">1 in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30 But passing through their midst, he went away.

    Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Demon

    31 And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. 33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34 “Ha!Or Leave us alone">2 What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36 And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37 And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

    Jesus Heals Many

    38 And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. 39 And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.

    40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.

    Jesus Preaches in Synagogues

    42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, 43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.Some manuscripts Galilee">3

    Footnotes

    [1] 4:27 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13


    [2] 4:34 Or Leave us alone

    [3] 4:44 Some manuscripts Galilee

    (ESV)

    13 min
  • January 7: Psalm 6; Genesis 7; 1 Chronicles 7; Luke 3:23–4:13
    Psalms and Wisdom:
    Psalm 6
    Psalm 6 (Listen)
    O Lord, Deliver My Life
    To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments; according to The Sheminith.Probably a musical or liturgical term">1 A Psalm of David.

    6   O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger,
        nor discipline me in your wrath.
    2   Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
        heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled.
    3   My soul also is greatly troubled.
        But you, O LORD—how long?
    4   Turn, O LORD, deliver my life;
        save me for the sake of your steadfast love.
    5   For in death there is no remembrance of you;
        in Sheol who will give you praise?
    6   I am weary with my moaning;
        every night I flood my bed with tears;
        I drench my couch with my weeping.
    7   My eye wastes away because of grief;
        it grows weak because of all my foes.
    8   Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
        for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.
    9   The LORD has heard my plea;
        the LORD accepts my prayer.
    10   All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled;
        they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.

    Footnotes

    [1] 6:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term

    (ESV)

    Pentateuch and History:
    Genesis 7
    Genesis 7 (Listen)

    7 Then the LORD said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. 2 Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals,Or seven of each kind of clean animal">1 the male and his mate, and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate, 3 and seven pairsOr seven of each kind">2 of the birds of the heavens also, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth. 4 For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thingHebrew all existence; also verse 23">3 that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.” 5 And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him.

    6 Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came upon the earth. 7 And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him went into the ark to escape the waters of the flood. 8 Of clean animals, and of animals that are not clean, and of birds, and of everything that creeps on the ground, 9 two and two, male and female, went into the ark with Noah, as God had commanded Noah. 10 And after seven days the waters of the flood came upon the earth.

    11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened. 12 And rain fell upon the earth forty days and forty nights. 13 On the very same day Noah and his sons, Shem and Ham and Japheth, and Noah's wife and the three wives of his sons with them entered the ark, 14 they and every beast, according to its kind, and all the livestock according to their kinds, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, according to its kind, and every bird, according to its kind, every winged creature. 15 They went into the ark with Noah, two and two of all flesh in which there was the breath of life. 16 And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him. And the LORD shut him in.

    17 The flood continued forty days on the earth. The waters increased and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth. 18 The waters prevailed and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the face of the waters. 19 And the waters prevailed so mightily on the earth that all the high mountains under the whole heaven were covered. 20 The waters prevailed above the mountains, covering them fifteen cubitsA cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters">4 deep. 21 And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all mankind. 22 Everything on the dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died. 23 He blotted out every living thing that was on the face of the ground, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens. They were blotted out from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark. 24 And the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days.

    Footnotes

    [1] 7:2 Or seven of each kind of clean animal


    [2] 7:3 Or seven of each kind

    [3] 7:4 Hebrew all existence; also verse 23

    [4] 7:20 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters

    (ESV)

    Chronicles and Prophets:
    1 Chronicles 7
    1 Chronicles 7 (Listen)
    Descendants of Issachar

    7 The sonsSyriac (compare Vulgate); Hebrew And to the sons">1 of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four. 2 The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their fathers' houses, namely of Tola, mighty warriors of their generations, their number in the days of David being 22,600. 3 The sonHebrew sons; also verses 10, 12, 17">2 of Uzzi: Izrahiah. And the sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah, all five of them were chief men. 4 And along with them, by their generations, according to their fathers' houses, were units of the army for war, 36,000, for they had many wives and sons. 5 Their kinsmen belonging to all the clans of Issachar were in all 87,000 mighty warriors, enrolled by genealogy.

    Descendants of Benjamin

    6 The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael, three. 7 The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, five, heads of fathers' houses, mighty warriors. And their enrollment by genealogies was 22,034. 8 The sons of Becher: Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth. All these were the sons of Becher. 9 And their enrollment by genealogies, according to their generations, as heads of their fathers' houses, mighty warriors, was 20,200. 10 The son of Jediael: Bilhan. And the sons of Bilhan: Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. 11 All these were the sons of Jediael according to the heads of their fathers' houses, mighty warriors, 17,200, able to go to war. 12 And Shuppim and Huppim were the sons of Ir, Hushim the son of Aher.

    Descendants of Naphtali

    13 The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer and Shallum, the descendants of Bilhah.

    Descendants of Manasseh

    14 The sons of Manasseh: Asriel, whom his Aramean concubine bore; she bore Machir the father of Gilead. 15 And Machir took a wife for Huppim and for Shuppim. The name of his sister was Maacah. And the name of the second was Zelophehad, and Zelophehad had daughters. 16 And Maacah the wife of Machir bore a son, and she called his name Peresh; and the name of his brother was Sheresh; and his sons were Ulam and Rakem. 17 The son of Ulam: Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead the son of Machir, son of Manasseh. 18 And his sister Hammolecheth bore Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahlah. 19 The sons of Shemida were Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam.

    Descendants of Ephraim

    20 The sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah, and Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, 21 Zabad his son, Shuthelah his son, and Ezer and Elead, whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down to raid their livestock. 22 And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him. 23 And Ephraim went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son. And he called his name Beriah, because disaster had befallen his house.Beriah sounds like the Hebrew for disaster">3 24 His daughter was Sheerah, who built both Lower and Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah. 25 Rephah was his son, Resheph his son, Telah his son, Tahan his son, 26 Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son, 27 NunHebrew Non">4 his son, Joshua his son. 28 Their possessions and settlements were Bethel and its towns, and to the east Naaran, and to the west Gezer and its towns, Shechem and its towns, and Ayyah and its towns; 29 also in possession of the Manassites, Beth-shean and its towns, Taanach and its towns, Megiddo and its towns, Dor and its towns. In these lived the sons of Joseph the son of Israel.

    Descendants of Asher

    30 The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. 31 The sons of Beriah: Heber, and Malchiel, who fathered Birzaith. 32 Heber fathered Japhlet, Shomer, Hotham, and their sister Shua. 33 The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These are the sons of Japhlet. 34 The sons of Shemer his brother: Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram. 35 The sons of Helem his brother: Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal. 36 The sons of Zophah: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah. 37 Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera. 38 The sons of Jether: Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara. 39 The sons of Ulla: Arah, Hanniel, and Rizia. 40 All of these were men of Asher, heads of fathers' houses, approved, mighty warriors, chiefs of the princes. Their number enrolled by genealogies, for service in war, was 26,000 men.

    Footnotes

    [1] 7:1 Syriac (compare Vulgate); Hebrew And to the sons


    [2] 7:3 Hebrew sons; also verses 10, 12, 17

    [3] 7:23 Beriah sounds like the Hebrew for disaster

    [4] 7:27 Hebrew Non

    (ESV)

    Gospels and Epistles:
    Luke 3:23–4:13
    Luke 3:23–4:13 (Listen)
    The Genealogy of Jesus Christ

    23 Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, 27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel,Greek Salathiel">1 the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon, 33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, 38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

    The Temptation of Jesus

    4 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” 5 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 And Jesus answered him, “It is written,

      “‘You shall worship the Lord your God,
        and him only shall you serve.’”

    9 And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written,

      “‘He will command his angels concerning you,
        to guard you,’

    11 and

      “‘On their hands they will bear you up,
        lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

    12 And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

    Footnotes

    [1] 3:27 Greek Salathiel

    (ESV)

    14 min
  • January 6: Psalm 5; Genesis 6; 1 Chronicles 6; Luke 3:1–22
    Psalms and Wisdom:
    Psalm 5
    Psalm 5 (Listen)
    Lead Me in Your Righteousness
    To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.

    5   Give ear to my words, O LORD;
        consider my groaning.
    2   Give attention to the sound of my cry,
        my King and my God,
        for to you do I pray.
    3   O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice;
        in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for youOr I direct my prayer to you">1 and watch.
    4   For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
        evil may not dwell with you.
    5   The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
        you hate all evildoers.
    6   You destroy those who speak lies;
        the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
    7   But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
        will enter your house.
      I will bow down toward your holy temple
        in the fear of you.
    8   Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness
        because of my enemies;
        make your way straight before me.
    9   For there is no truth in their mouth;
        their inmost self is destruction;
      their throat is an open grave;
        they flatter with their tongue.
    10   Make them bear their guilt, O God;
        let them fall by their own counsels;
      because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out,
        for they have rebelled against you.
    11   But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
        let them ever sing for joy,
      and spread your protection over them,
        that those who love your name may exult in you.
    12   For you bless the righteous, O LORD;
        you cover him with favor as with a shield.

    Footnotes

    [1] 5:3 Or I direct my prayer to you

    (ESV)

    Pentateuch and History:
    Genesis 6
    Genesis 6 (Listen)
    Increasing Corruption on Earth

    6 When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. 3 Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not abide inOr My Spirit shall not contend with">1 man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” 4 The NephilimOr giants">2 were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.

    5 The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. 7 So the LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

    Noah and the Flood

    9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

    11 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. 13 And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh,Hebrew The end of all flesh has come before me">3 for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 Make yourself an ark of gopher wood.An unknown kind of tree; transliterated from Hebrew">4 Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch. 15 This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits,A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters">5 its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits. 16 Make a roofOr skylight">6 for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above, and set the door of the ark in its side. Make it with lower, second, and third decks. 17 For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you. 19 And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark to keep them alive with you. They shall be male and female. 20 Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground, according to its kind, two of every sort shall come in to you to keep them alive. 21 Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up. It shall serve as food for you and for them.” 22 Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.

    Footnotes

    [1] 6:3 Or My Spirit shall not contend with


    [2] 6:4 Or giants

    [3] 6:13 Hebrew The end of all flesh has come before me

    [4] 6:14 An unknown kind of tree; transliterated from Hebrew

    [5] 6:15 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters

    [6] 6:16 Or skylight

    (ESV)

    Chronicles and Prophets:
    1 Chronicles 6
    1 Chronicles 6 (Listen)
    Descendants of Levi

    6 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 2 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. 3 The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 4 Eleazar fathered Phinehas, Phinehas fathered Abishua, 5 Abishua fathered Bukki, Bukki fathered Uzzi, 6 Uzzi fathered Zerahiah, Zerahiah fathered Meraioth, 7 Meraioth fathered Amariah, Amariah fathered Ahitub, 8 Ahitub fathered Zadok, Zadok fathered Ahimaaz, 9 Ahimaaz fathered Azariah, Azariah fathered Johanan, 10 and Johanan fathered Azariah (it was he who served as priest in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem). 11 Azariah fathered Amariah, Amariah fathered Ahitub, 12 Ahitub fathered Zadok, Zadok fathered Shallum, 13 Shallum fathered Hilkiah, Hilkiah fathered Azariah, 14 Azariah fathered Seraiah, Seraiah fathered Jehozadak; 15 and Jehozadak went into exile when the LORD sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

    16 Ch 6:1 in Hebrew">1 The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. 17 And these are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. 18 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel. 19 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Levites according to their fathers. 20 Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, 21 Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son. 22 The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, 23 Elkanah his son, Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son, 24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. 25 The sons of Elkanah: Amasai and Ahimoth, 26 Elkanah his son, Zophai his son, Nahath his son, 27 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son. 28 The sons of Samuel: JoelSeptuagint, Syriac (compare verse 33 and 1 Samuel 8:2); Hebrew lacks Joel">2 his firstborn, the second Abijah.Hebrew and Abijah">3 29 The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, 30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, and Asaiah his son.

    31 These are the men whom David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. 32 They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, and they performed their service according to their order. 33 These are the men who served and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer the son of Joel, son of Samuel, 34 son of Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Eliel, son of Toah, 35 son of Zuph, son of Elkanah, son of Mahath, son of Amasai, 36 son of Elkanah, son of Joel, son of Azariah, son of Zephaniah, 37 son of Tahath, son of Assir, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, 38 son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, son of Israel; 39 and his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, namely, Asaph the son of Berechiah, son of Shimea, 40 son of Michael, son of Baaseiah, son of Malchijah, 41 son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah, 42 son of Ethan, son of Zimmah, son of Shimei, 43 son of Jahath, son of Gershom, son of Levi. 44 On the left hand were their brothers, the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch, 45 son of Hashabiah, son of Amaziah, son of Hilkiah, 46 son of Amzi, son of Bani, son of Shemer, 47 son of Mahli, son of Mushi, son of Merari, son of Levi. 48 And their brothers the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tabernacle of the house of God.

    49 But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense for all the work of the Most Holy Place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. 50 These are the sons of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, 51 Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, 52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son, 53 Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son.

    54 These are their dwelling places according to their settlements within their borders: to the sons of Aaron of the clans of Kohathites, for theirs was the first lot, 55 to them they gave Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands, 56 but the fields of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 57 To the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of refuge: Hebron, Libnah with its pasturelands, Jattir, Eshtemoa with its pasturelands, 58 Hilen with its pasturelands, Debir with its pasturelands, 59 Ashan with its pasturelands, and Beth-shemesh with its pasturelands; 60 and from the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon,Septuagint, Syriac (compare Joshua 21:17); Hebrew lacks Gibeon">4 Geba with its pasturelands, Alemeth with its pasturelands, and Anathoth with its pasturelands. All their cities throughout their clans were thirteen.

    61 To the rest of the Kohathites were given by lot out of the clan of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities. 62 To the Gershomites according to their clans were allotted thirteen cities out of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and Manasseh in Bashan. 63 To the Merarites according to their clans were allotted twelve cities out of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. 64 So the people of Israel gave the Levites the cities with their pasturelands. 65 They gave by lot out of the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin these cities that are mentioned by name.

    66 And some of the clans of the sons of Kohath had cities of their territory out of the tribe of Ephraim. 67 They were given the cities of refuge: Shechem with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, Gezer with its pasturelands, 68 Jokmeam with its pasturelands, Beth-horon with its pasturelands, 69 Aijalon with its pasturelands, Gath-rimmon with its pasturelands, 70 and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Aner with its pasturelands, and Bileam with its pasturelands, for the rest of the clans of the Kohathites.

    71 To the Gershomites were given out of the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh: Golan in Bashan with its pasturelands and Ashtaroth with its pasturelands; 72 and out of the tribe of Issachar: Kedesh with its pasturelands, Daberath with its pasturelands, 73 Ramoth with its pasturelands, and Anem with its pasturelands; 74 out of the tribe of Asher: Mashal with its pasturelands, Abdon with its pasturelands, 75 Hukok with its pasturelands, and Rehob with its pasturelands; 76 and out of the tribe of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee with its pasturelands, Hammon with its pasturelands, and Kiriathaim with its pasturelands. 77 To the rest of the Merarites were allotted out of the tribe of Zebulun: Rimmono with its pasturelands, Tabor with its pasturelands, 78 and beyond the Jordan at Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan, out of the tribe of Reuben: Bezer in the wilderness with its pasturelands, Jahzah with its pasturelands, 79 Kedemoth with its pasturelands, and Mephaath with its pasturelands; 80 and out of the tribe of Gad: Ramoth in Gilead with its pasturelands, Mahanaim with its pasturelands, 81 Heshbon with its pasturelands, and Jazer with its pasturelands.

    Footnotes

    [1] 6:16 Ch 6:1 in Hebrew


    [2] 6:28 Septuagint, Syriac (compare verse 33 and 1 Samuel 8:2); Hebrew lacks Joel

    [3] 6:28 Hebrew and Abijah

    [4] 6:60 Septuagint, Syriac (compare Joshua 21:17); Hebrew lacks Gibeon

    (ESV)

    Gospels and Epistles:
    Luke 3:1–22
    Luke 3:1–22 (Listen)
    John the Baptist Prepares the Way

    3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

      “The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
      ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,Or crying, Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord">1
        make his paths straight.
    5   Every valley shall be filled,
        and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
      and the crooked shall become straight,
        and the rough places shall become level ways,
    6   and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

    7 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 9 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

    10 And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” 11 And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunicsGreek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin">2 is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”

    15 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

    18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, 20 added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.

    21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;Or my Son, my (or the) Beloved">3 with you I am well pleased.”Some manuscripts beloved Son; today I have begotten you">4

    Footnotes

    [1] 3:4 Or crying, Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord


    [2] 3:11 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin

    [3] 3:22 Or my Son, my (or the) Beloved

    [4] 3:22 Some manuscripts beloved Son; today I have begotten you

    (ESV)

    17 min
  • January 5: Psalm 4; Genesis 5; 1 Chronicles 5; Luke 2:22–52
    Psalms and Wisdom:
    Psalm 4
    Psalm 4 (Listen)
    Answer Me When I Call
    To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

    4   Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
        You have given me relief when I was in distress.
        Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
    2   O men,Or O men of rank">1 how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
        How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
    3   But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
        the LORD hears when I call to him.
    4   Be angry,Or Be agitated">2 and do not sin;
        ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
    5   Offer right sacrifices,
        and put your trust in the LORD.
    6   There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
        Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!”
    7   You have put more joy in my heart
        than they have when their grain and wine abound.
    8   In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
        for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

    Footnotes

    [1] 4:2 Or O men of rank


    [2] 4:4 Or Be agitated

    (ESV)

    Pentateuch and History:
    Genesis 5
    Genesis 5 (Listen)
    Adam's Descendants to Noah

    5 This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. 2 Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them ManHebrew adam">1 when they were created. 3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. 4 The days of Adam after he fathered Seth were 800 years; and he had other sons and daughters. 5 Thus all the days that Adam lived were 930 years, and he died.

    6 When Seth had lived 105 years, he fathered Enosh. 7 Seth lived after he fathered Enosh 807 years and had other sons and daughters. 8 Thus all the days of Seth were 912 years, and he died.

    9 When Enosh had lived 90 years, he fathered Kenan. 10 Enosh lived after he fathered Kenan 815 years and had other sons and daughters. 11 Thus all the days of Enosh were 905 years, and he died.

    12 When Kenan had lived 70 years, he fathered Mahalalel. 13 Kenan lived after he fathered Mahalalel 840 years and had other sons and daughters. 14 Thus all the days of Kenan were 910 years, and he died.

    15 When Mahalalel had lived 65 years, he fathered Jared. 16 Mahalalel lived after he fathered Jared 830 years and had other sons and daughters. 17 Thus all the days of Mahalalel were 895 years, and he died.

    18 When Jared had lived 162 years, he fathered Enoch. 19 Jared lived after he fathered Enoch 800 years and had other sons and daughters. 20 Thus all the days of Jared were 962 years, and he died.

    21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. 22 Enoch walked with GodSeptuagint pleased God; also verse 24">2 after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God, and he was not,Septuagint was not found">3 for God took him.

    25 When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he fathered Lamech. 26 Methuselah lived after he fathered Lamech 782 years and had other sons and daughters. 27 Thus all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died.

    28 When Lamech had lived 182 years, he fathered a son 29 and called his name Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the LORD has cursed, this one shall bring us reliefNoah sounds like the Hebrew for rest">4 from our work and from the painful toil of our hands.” 30 Lamech lived after he fathered Noah 595 years and had other sons and daughters. 31 Thus all the days of Lamech were 777 years, and he died.

    32 After Noah was 500 years old, Noah fathered Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

    Footnotes

    [1] 5:2 Hebrew adam


    [2] 5:22 Septuagint pleased God; also verse 24

    [3] 5:24 Septuagint was not found

    [4] 5:29 Noah sounds like the Hebrew for rest

    (ESV)

    Chronicles and Prophets:
    1 Chronicles 5
    1 Chronicles 5 (Listen)
    Descendants of Reuben

    5 The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father's couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, so that he could not be enrolled as the oldest son; 2 though Judah became strong among his brothers and a chief came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph), 3 the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 4 The sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, 5 Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son, 6 Beerah his son, whom Tiglath-pileserHebrew Tilgath-pilneser; also verse 26">1 king of Assyria carried away into exile; he was a chief of the Reubenites. 7 And his kinsmen by their clans, when the genealogy of their generations was recorded: the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah, 8 and Bela the son of Azaz, son of Shema, son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, as far as Nebo and Baal-meon. 9 He also lived to the east as far as the entrance of the desert this side of the Euphrates, because their livestock had multiplied in the land of Gilead. 10 And in the days of Saul they waged war against the Hagrites, who fell into their hand. And they lived in their tents throughout all the region east of Gilead.

    Descendants of Gad

    11 The sons of Gad lived over against them in the land of Bashan as far as Salecah: 12 Joel the chief, Shapham the second, Janai, and Shaphat in Bashan. 13 And their kinsmen according to their fathers' houses: Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia and Eber, seven. 14 These were the sons of Abihail the son of Huri, son of Jaroah, son of Gilead, son of Michael, son of Jeshishai, son of Jahdo, son of Buz. 15 Ahi the son of Abdiel, son of Guni, was chief in their fathers' houses, 16 and they lived in Gilead, in Bashan and in its towns, and in all the pasturelands of Sharon to their limits. 17 All of these were recorded in genealogies in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel.

    18 The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had valiant men who carried shield and sword, and drew the bow, expert in war, 44,760, able to go to war. 19 They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. 20 And when they prevailedOr they were helped to prevail">2 over them, the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried out to God in the battle, and he granted their urgent plea because they trusted in him. 21 They carried off their livestock: 50,000 of their camels, 250,000 sheep, 2,000 donkeys, and 100,000 men alive. 22 For many fell, because the war was of God. And they lived in their place until the exile.

    The Half-Tribe of Manasseh

    23 The members of the half-tribe of Manasseh lived in the land. They were very numerous from Bashan to Baal-hermon, Senir, and Mount Hermon. 24 These were the heads of their fathers' houses: Epher,Septuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew and Epher">3 Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty warriors, famous men, heads of their fathers' houses. 25 But they broke faith with the God of their fathers, and whored after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. 26 So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, the spirit of Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, and he took them into exile, namely, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river Gozan, to this day.

    Footnotes

    [1] 5:6 Hebrew Tilgath-pilneser; also verse 26


    [2] 5:20 Or they were helped to prevail

    [3] 5:24 Septuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew and Epher

    (ESV)

    Gospels and Epistles:
    Luke 2:22–52
    Luke 2:22–52 (Listen)
    Jesus Presented at the Temple

    22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

    29   “Lord, now you are letting your servantOr bondservant">1 depart in peace,
        according to your word;
    30   for my eyes have seen your salvation
    31     that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
    32   a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
        and for glory to your people Israel.”

    33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

    36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.Or as a widow for eighty-four years">2 She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

    The Return to Nazareth

    39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

    The Boy Jesus in the Temple

    41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parentsGreek they">3 saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?”Or about my Father's business">4 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

    52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in statureOr years">5 and in favor with God and man.

    Footnotes

    [1] 2:29 Or bondservant


    [2] 2:37 Or as a widow for eighty-four years

    [3] 2:48 Greek they

    [4] 2:49 Or about my Father's business

    [5] 2:52 Or years

    (ESV)

    12 min
  • January 4: Psalm 3; Genesis 4; 1 Chronicles 4; Luke 2:1–21
    Psalms and Wisdom:
    Psalm 3
    Psalm 3 (Listen)
    Save Me, O My God
    A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

    3   O LORD, how many are my foes!
        Many are rising against me;
    2   many are saying of my soul,
        “There is no salvation for him in God.” SelahThe meaning of the Hebrew word Selah, used frequently in the Psalms, is uncertain. It may be a musical or liturgical direction">1
    3   But you, O LORD, are a shield about me,
        my glory, and the lifter of my head.
    4   I cried aloud to the LORD,
        and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
    5   I lay down and slept;
        I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
    6   I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
        who have set themselves against me all around.
    7   Arise, O LORD!
        Save me, O my God!
      For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
        you break the teeth of the wicked.
    8   Salvation belongs to the LORD;
        your blessing be on your people! Selah

    Footnotes

    [1] 3:2 The meaning of the Hebrew word Selah, used frequently in the Psalms, is uncertain. It may be a musical or liturgical direction

    (ESV)

    Pentateuch and History:
    Genesis 4
    Genesis 4 (Listen)
    Cain and Abel

    4 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gottenCain sounds like the Hebrew for gotten">1 a man with the help of the LORD.” 2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted?Hebrew will there not be a lifting up [of your face]?">2 And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary toOr is toward">3 you, but you must rule over it.”

    8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother.Hebrew; Samaritan, Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate add Let us go out to the field">4 And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” 10 And the LORD said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. 11 And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. 12 When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.Or My guilt is too great to bear">5 14 Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 15 Then the LORD said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. 16 Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod,Nod means wandering">6 east of Eden.

    17 Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. 18 To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. 19 And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 20 Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. 22 Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.

    23 Lamech said to his wives:

      “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
        you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say:
      I have killed a man for wounding me,
        a young man for striking me.
    24   If Cain's revenge is sevenfold,
        then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold.”

    25 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointedSeth sounds like the Hebrew for he appointed">7 for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” 26 To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD.

    Footnotes

    [1] 4:1 Cain sounds like the Hebrew for gotten


    [2] 4:7 Hebrew will there not be a lifting up [of your face]?

    [3] 4:7 Or is toward

    [4] 4:8 Hebrew; Samaritan, Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate add Let us go out to the field

    [5] 4:13 Or My guilt is too great to bear

    [6] 4:16 Nod means wandering

    [7] 4:25 Seth sounds like the Hebrew for he appointed

    (ESV)

    Chronicles and Prophets:
    1 Chronicles 4
    1 Chronicles 4 (Listen)
    Descendants of Judah

    4 The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal. 2 Reaiah the son of Shobal fathered Jahath, and Jahath fathered Ahumai and Lahad. These were the clans of the Zorathites. 3 These were the sonsSeptuagint (compare Vulgate); Hebrew father">1 of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash; and the name of their sister was Hazzelelponi, 4 and Penuel fathered Gedor, and Ezer fathered Hushah. These were the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem. 5 Ashhur, the father of Tekoa, had two wives, Helah and Naarah; 6 Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the sons of Naarah. 7 The sons of Helah: Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan. 8 Koz fathered Anub, Zobebah, and the clans of Aharhel, the son of Harum. 9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.”Jabez sounds like the Hebrew for pain">2 10 Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harmOr evil">3 so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked. 11 Chelub, the brother of Shuhah, fathered Mehir, who fathered Eshton. 12 Eshton fathered Beth-rapha, Paseah, and Tehinnah, the father of Ir-nahash. These are the men of Recah. 13 The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah; and the sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai.Septuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew lacks Meonothai">4 14 Meonothai fathered Ophrah; and Seraiah fathered Joab, the father of Ge-harashim,Ge-harashim means valley of craftsmen">5 so-called because they were craftsmen. 15 The sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam; and the sonHebrew sons">6 of Elah: Kenaz. 16 The sons of Jehallelel: Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel. 17 The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. These are the sons of Bithiah, the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered married;The clause These are . . . married is transposed from verse 18">7 and she conceived and boreHebrew lacks and bore">8 Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah, the father of Eshtemoa. 18 And his Judahite wife bore Jered the father of Gedor, Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. 19 The sons of the wife of Hodiah, the sister of Naham, were the fathers of Keilah the Garmite and Eshtemoa the Maacathite. 20 The sons of Shimon: Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon. The sons of Ishi: Zoheth and Ben-zoheth. 21 The sons of Shelah the son of Judah: Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the clans of the house of linen workers at Beth-ashbea; 22 and Jokim, and the men of Cozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who ruled in Moab and returned to LehemVulgate (compare Septuagint); Hebrew and Jashubi-lahem">9 (now the recordsOr matters">10 are ancient). 23 These were the potters who were inhabitants of Netaim and Gederah. They lived there in the king's service.

    Descendants of Simeon

    24 The sons of Simeon: Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul; 25 Shallum was his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son. 26 The sons of Mishma: Hammuel his son, Zaccur his son, Shimei his son. 27 Shimei had sixteen sons and six daughters; but his brothers did not have many children, nor did all their clan multiply like the men of Judah. 28 They lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, 29 Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, 30 Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, 31 Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until David reigned. 32 And their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan, five cities, 33 along with all their villages that were around these cities as far as Baal. These were their settlements, and they kept a genealogical record.

    34 Meshobab, Jamlech, Joshah the son of Amaziah, 35 Joel, Jehu the son of Joshibiah, son of Seraiah, son of Asiel, 36 Elioenai, Jaakobah, Jeshohaiah, Asaiah, Adiel, Jesimiel, Benaiah, 37 Ziza the son of Shiphi, son of Allon, son of Jedaiah, son of Shimri, son of Shemaiah—38 these mentioned by name were princes in their clans, and their fathers' houses increased greatly. 39 They journeyed to the entrance of Gedor, to the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks, 40 where they found rich, good pasture, and the land was very broad, quiet, and peaceful, for the former inhabitants there belonged to Ham. 41 These, registered by name, came in the days of Hezekiah, king of Judah, and destroyed their tents and the Meunites who were found there, and marked them for destruction to this day, and settled in their place, because there was pasture there for their flocks. 42 And some of them, five hundred men of the Simeonites, went to Mount Seir, having as their leaders Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi. 43 And they defeated the remnant of the Amalekites who had escaped, and they have lived there to this day.

    Footnotes

    [1] 4:3 Septuagint (compare Vulgate); Hebrew father


    [2] 4:9 Jabez sounds like the Hebrew for pain

    [3] 4:10 Or evil

    [4] 4:13 Septuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew lacks Meonothai

    [5] 4:14 Ge-harashim means valley of craftsmen

    [6] 4:15 Hebrew sons

    [7] 4:17 The clause These are . . . married is transposed from verse 18

    [8] 4:17 Hebrew lacks and bore

    [9] 4:22 Vulgate (compare Septuagint); Hebrew and Jashubi-lahem

    [10] 4:22 Or matters

    (ESV)

    Gospels and Epistles:
    Luke 2:1–21
    Luke 2:1–21 (Listen)
    The Birth of Jesus Christ

    2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration whenOr This was the registration before">1 Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,That is, one legally pledged to be married">2 who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.Or guest room">3

    The Shepherds and the Angels

    8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

    14   “Glory to God in the highest,
        and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”Some manuscripts peace, good will among men">4

    15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

    21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

    Footnotes

    [1] 2:2 Or This was the registration before


    [2] 2:5 That is, one legally pledged to be married

    [3] 2:7 Or guest room

    [4] 2:14 Some manuscripts peace, good will among men

    (ESV)

    13 min
  • January 3: Psalm 2; Genesis 3; 1 Chronicles 3; Luke 1:57–80
    Psalms and Wisdom:
    Psalm 2
    Psalm 2 (Listen)
    The Reign of the Lord's Anointed

    2   Why do the nations rageOr nations noisily assemble">1
        and the peoples plot in vain?
    2   The kings of the earth set themselves,
        and the rulers take counsel together,
        against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
    3   “Let us burst their bonds apart
        and cast away their cords from us.”
    4   He who sits in the heavens laughs;
        the Lord holds them in derision.
    5   Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
        and terrify them in his fury, saying,
    6   “As for me, I have set my King
        on Zion, my holy hill.”
    7   I will tell of the decree:
      The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
        today I have begotten you.
    8   Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
        and the ends of the earth your possession.
    9   You shall breakRevocalization yields (compare Septuagint) You shall rule">2 them with a rod of iron
        and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
    10   Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
        be warned, O rulers of the earth.
    11   Serve the LORD with fear,
        and rejoice with trembling.
    12   Kiss the Son,
        lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
        for his wrath is quickly kindled.
      Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

    Footnotes

    [1] 2:1 Or nations noisily assemble


    [2] 2:9 Revocalization yields (compare Septuagint) You shall rule

    (ESV)

    Pentateuch and History:
    Genesis 3
    Genesis 3 (Listen)
    The Fall

    3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.

    He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘YouIn Hebrew you is plural in verses 1–5">1 shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise,Or to give insight">2 she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

    8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the coolHebrew wind">3 of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”In Hebrew you is singular in verses 9 and 11">4 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

    14 The LORD God said to the serpent,

      “Because you have done this,
        cursed are you above all livestock
        and above all beasts of the field;
      on your belly you shall go,
        and dust you shall eat
        all the days of your life.
    15   I will put enmity between you and the woman,
        and between your offspringHebrew seed; so throughout Genesis">5 and her offspring;
      he shall bruise your head,
        and you shall bruise his heel.”

    16 To the woman he said,

      “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;
        in pain you shall bring forth children.
      Your desire shall be contrary toOr shall be toward (see 4:7)">6 your husband,
        but he shall rule over you.”

    17 And to Adam he said,

      “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife
        and have eaten of the tree
      of which I commanded you,
        ‘You shall not eat of it,’
      cursed is the ground because of you;
        in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
    18   thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
        and you shall eat the plants of the field.
    19   By the sweat of your face
        you shall eat bread,
      till you return to the ground,
        for out of it you were taken;
      for you are dust,
        and to dust you shall return.”

    20 The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.Eve sounds like the Hebrew for life-giver and resembles the word for living">7 21 And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.

    22 Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. 24 He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

    Footnotes

    [1] 3:1 In Hebrew you is plural in verses 1–5


    [2] 3:6 Or to give insight

    [3] 3:8 Hebrew wind

    [4] 3:9 In Hebrew you is singular in verses 9 and 11

    [5] 3:15 Hebrew seed; so throughout Genesis

    [6] 3:16 Or shall be toward (see 4:7)

    [7] 3:20 Eve sounds like the Hebrew for life-giver and resembles the word for living

    (ESV)

    Chronicles and Prophets:
    1 Chronicles 3
    1 Chronicles 3 (Listen)
    Descendants of David

    3 These are the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn, Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelite; the second, Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelite, 2 the third, Absalom, whose mother was Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith; 3 the fifth, Shephatiah, by Abital; the sixth, Ithream, by his wife Eglah; 4 six were born to him in Hebron, where he reigned for seven years and six months. And he reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 5 These were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, four by Bath-shua, the daughter of Ammiel; 6 then Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet, 7 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 8 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine. 9 All these were David's sons, besides the sons of the concubines, and Tamar was their sister.

    10 The son of Solomon was Rehoboam, Abijah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, 11 Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, 12 Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son, 13 Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, 14 Amon his son, Josiah his son. 15 The sons of Josiah: Johanan the firstborn, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum. 16 The descendants of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son; 17 and the sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son, 18 Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama and Nedabiah; 19 and the sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei; and the sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah, and Shelomith was their sister; 20 and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-hesed, five. 21 The sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah and Jeshaiah, his sonSeptuagint (compare Syriac, Vulgate); Hebrew sons of; four times in this verse">1 Rephaiah, his son Arnan, his son Obadiah, his son Shecaniah. 22 The sonHebrew sons">2 of Shecaniah: Shemaiah. And the sons of Shemaiah: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat, six. 23 The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three. 24 The sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani, seven.

    Footnotes

    [1] 3:21 Septuagint (compare Syriac, Vulgate); Hebrew sons of; four times in this verse


    [2] 3:22 Hebrew sons

    (ESV)

    Gospels and Epistles:
    Luke 1:57–80
    Luke 1:57–80 (Listen)
    The Birth of John the Baptist

    57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” 62 And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65 And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, 66 and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.

    Zechariah's Prophecy

    67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

    68   “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
        for he has visited and redeemed his people
    69   and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
        in the house of his servant David,
    70   as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
    71   that we should be saved from our enemies
        and from the hand of all who hate us;
    72   to show the mercy promised to our fathers
        and to remember his holy covenant,
    73   the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
    74     that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
      might serve him without fear,
    75     in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
    76   And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
        for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
    77   to give knowledge of salvation to his people
        in the forgiveness of their sins,
    78   because of the tender mercy of our God,
        whereby the sunrise shall visit usOr when the sunrise shall dawn upon us; some manuscripts since the sunrise has visited us">1 from on high
    79   to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
        to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

    80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

    Footnotes

    [1] 1:78 Or when the sunrise shall dawn upon us; some manuscripts since the sunrise has visited us

    (ESV)

    11 min
  • January 2: Psalm 1; Genesis 2; 1 Chronicles 2; Luke 1:26–56
    Psalms and Wisdom:
    Psalm 1
    Psalm 1 (Listen)
    Book One
    The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked

    1   Blessed is the manThe singular Hebrew word for man (ish) is used here to portray a representative example of a godly person; see Preface">1
        who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
      nor stands in the way of sinners,
        nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
    2   but his delight is in the lawOr instruction">2 of the LORD,
        and on his law he meditates day and night.
    3   He is like a tree
        planted by streams of water
      that yields its fruit in its season,
        and its leaf does not wither.
      In all that he does, he prospers.
    4   The wicked are not so,
        but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
    5   Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
        nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
    6   for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
        but the way of the wicked will perish.

    Footnotes

    [1] 1:1 The singular Hebrew word for man (ish) is used here to portray a representative example of a godly person; see Preface


    [2] 1:2 Or instruction

    (ESV)

    Pentateuch and History:
    Genesis 2
    Genesis 2 (Listen)
    The Seventh Day, God Rests

    2 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

    The Creation of Man and Woman

    4   These are the generations
      of the heavens and the earth when they were created,
      in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.

    5 When no bush of the fieldOr open country">1 was yet in the landOr earth; also verse 6">2 and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, 6 and a mistOr spring">3 was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground—7 then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. 8 And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

    10 A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers. 11 The name of the first is the Pishon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 And the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there. 13 The name of the second river is the Gihon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Cush. 14 And the name of the third river is the Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

    15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eatOr when you eat">4 of it you shall surely die.”

    18 Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit forOr corresponding to; also verse 20">5 him.” 19 Now out of the ground the LORD God had formedOr And out of the ground the Lord God formed">6 every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for AdamOr the man">7 there was not found a helper fit for him. 21 So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he madeHebrew built">8 into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said,

      “This at last is bone of my bones
        and flesh of my flesh;
      she shall be called Woman,
        because she was taken out of Man.”The Hebrew words for woman (ishshah) and man (ish) sound alike">9

    24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

    Footnotes

    [1] 2:5 Or open country


    [2] 2:5 Or earth; also verse 6

    [3] 2:6 Or spring

    [4] 2:17 Or when you eat

    [5] 2:18 Or corresponding to; also verse 20

    [6] 2:19 Or And out of the ground the Lord God formed

    [7] 2:20 Or the man

    [8] 2:22 Hebrew built

    [9] 2:23 The Hebrew words for woman (ishshah) and man (ish) sound alike

    (ESV)

    Chronicles and Prophets:
    1 Chronicles 2
    1 Chronicles 2 (Listen)
    A Genealogy of David

    2 These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, 2 Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. 3 The sons of Judah: Er, Onan and Shelah; these three Bath-shua the Canaanite bore to him. Now Er, Judah's firstborn, was evil in the sight of the LORD, and he put him to death. 4 His daughter-in-law Tamar also bore him Perez and Zerah. Judah had five sons in all.

    5 The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul. 6 The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara, five in all. 7 The sonHebrew sons">1 of Carmi: Achan, the troubler of Israel, who broke faith in the matter of the devoted thing; 8 and Ethan's son was Azariah.

    9 The sons of Hezron that were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. 10 Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah. 11 Nahshon fathered Salmon,Septuagint (compare Ruth 4:21); Hebrew Salma">2 Salmon fathered Boaz, 12 Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse. 13 Jesse fathered Eliab his firstborn, Abinadab the second, Shimea the third, 14 Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, 15 Ozem the sixth, David the seventh. 16 And their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. The sons of Zeruiah: Abishai, Joab, and Asahel, three. 17 Abigail bore Amasa, and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmaelite.

    18 Caleb the son of Hezron fathered children by his wife Azubah, and by Jerioth; and these were her sons: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon. 19 When Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath, who bore him Hur. 20 Hur fathered Uri, and Uri fathered Bezalel.

    21 Afterward Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir the father of Gilead, whom he married when he was sixty years old, and she bore him Segub. 22 And Segub fathered Jair, who had twenty-three cities in the land of Gilead. 23 But Geshur and Aram took from them Havvoth-jair, Kenath, and its villages, sixty towns. All these were descendants of Machir, the father of Gilead. 24 After the death of Hezron, Caleb went in to Ephrathah,Septuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew in Caleb Ephrathah">3 the wife of Hezron his father, and she bore him Ashhur, the father of Tekoa.

    25 The sons of Jerahmeel, the firstborn of Hezron: Ram, his firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah. 26 Jerahmeel also had another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam. 27 The sons of Ram, the firstborn of Jerahmeel: Maaz, Jamin, and Eker. 28 The sons of Onam: Shammai and Jada. The sons of Shammai: Nadab and Abishur. 29 The name of Abishur's wife was Abihail, and she bore him Ahban and Molid. 30 The sons of Nadab: Seled and Appaim; and Seled died childless. 31 The sonHebrew sons; three times in this verse">4 of Appaim: Ishi. The son of Ishi: Sheshan. The son of Sheshan: Ahlai. 32 The sons of Jada, Shammai's brother: Jether and Jonathan; and Jether died childless. 33 The sons of Jonathan: Peleth and Zaza. These were the descendants of Jerahmeel. 34 Now Sheshan had no sons, only daughters, but Sheshan had an Egyptian slave whose name was Jarha. 35 So Sheshan gave his daughter in marriage to Jarha his slave, and she bore him Attai. 36 Attai fathered Nathan, and Nathan fathered Zabad. 37 Zabad fathered Ephlal, and Ephlal fathered Obed. 38 Obed fathered Jehu, and Jehu fathered Azariah. 39 Azariah fathered Helez, and Helez fathered Eleasah. 40 Eleasah fathered Sismai, and Sismai fathered Shallum. 41 Shallum fathered Jekamiah, and Jekamiah fathered Elishama.

    42 The sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel: MareshahSeptuagint; Hebrew Mesha">5 his firstborn, who fathered Ziph. The sonHebrew sons">6 of Mareshah: Hebron.Hebrew the father of Hebron">7 43 The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem and Shema. 44 Shema fathered Raham, the father of Jorkeam; and Rekem fathered Shammai. 45 The son of Shammai: Maon; and Maon fathered Beth-zur. 46 Ephah also, Caleb's concubine, bore Haran, Moza, and Gazez; and Haran fathered Gazez. 47 The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph. 48 Maacah, Caleb's concubine, bore Sheber and Tirhanah. 49 She also bore Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father of Machbenah and the father of Gibea; and the daughter of Caleb was Achsah. 50 These were the descendants of Caleb.

    The sonsSeptuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew son">8 of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim, 51 Salma, the father of Bethlehem, and Hareph the father of Beth-gader. 52 Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim had other sons: Haroeh, half of the Menuhoth. 53 And the clans of Kiriath-jearim: the Ithrites, the Puthites, the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; from these came the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites. 54 The sons of Salma: Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth-beth-joab and half of the Manahathites, the Zorites. 55 The clans also of the scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites and the Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab.

    Footnotes

    [1] 2:7 Hebrew sons


    [2] 2:11 Septuagint (compare Ruth 4:21); Hebrew Salma

    [3] 2:24 Septuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew in Caleb Ephrathah

    [4] 2:31 Hebrew sons; three times in this verse

    [5] 2:42 Septuagint; Hebrew Mesha

    [6] 2:42 Hebrew sons

    [7] 2:42 Hebrew the father of Hebron

    [8] 2:50 Septuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew son

    (ESV)

    Gospels and Epistles:
    Luke 1:26–56
    Luke 1:26–56 (Listen)
    Birth of Jesus Foretold

    26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothedThat is, legally pledged to be married">1 to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”Some manuscripts add Blessed are you among women!">2 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

    34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”Greek since I do not know a man">3

    35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be bornSome manuscripts add of you">4 will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servantGreek bondservant; also verse 48">5 of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

    Mary Visits Elizabeth

    39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would beOr believed, for there will be">6 a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

    Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat

    46 And Mary said,

      “My soul magnifies the Lord,
    47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
    48   for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
        For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
    49   for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
        and holy is his name.
    50   And his mercy is for those who fear him
        from generation to generation.
    51   He has shown strength with his arm;
        he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
    52   he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
        and exalted those of humble estate;
    53   he has filled the hungry with good things,
        and the rich he has sent away empty.
    54   He has helped his servant Israel,
        in remembrance of his mercy,
    55   as he spoke to our fathers,
        to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

    56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

    Footnotes

    [1] 1:27 That is, legally pledged to be married


    [2] 1:28 Some manuscripts add Blessed are you among women!

    [3] 1:34 Greek since I do not know a man

    [4] 1:35 Some manuscripts add of you

    [5] 1:38 Greek bondservant; also verse 48

    [6] 1:45 Or believed, for there will be

    (ESV)

    14 min

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