2Chr.13.1

In the eighteenth year of the rule of King Jeroboam, Abijah took over the throne of Judah.

2Chr.13.1

In the eighteenth year of the reign of Jeroboam, Abijah became king of Judah,

2Chr.13.1

In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam, Abijah became king over Judah.

2Chr.13.1

Abijah began to rule over Judah in the eighteenth year of Jeroboam's reign in Israel.

2Chr.13.2

He ruled in Jerusalem three years. His mother was Maacah daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. War broke out between Abijah and Jeroboam.

2Chr.13.2

and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother's name was Maacah, a daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. There was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.

2Chr.13.2

He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.

2Chr.13.2

He reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother was Maacah, a daughter of Uriel from Gibeah. Then war broke out between Abijah and Jeroboam.

2Chr.13.3

Abijah started out with 400,000 of his best soldiers; Jeroboam countered with 800,000 of his best.

2Chr.13.3

Abijah went into battle with a force of four hundred thousand able fighting men, and Jeroboam drew up a battle line against him with eight hundred thousand able troops.

2Chr.13.3

Abijah set the battle in order with an army of valiant warriors, four hundred thousand choice men. Jeroboam also drew up in battle formation against him with eight hundred thousand choice men, mighty men of valor.

2Chr.13.3

Judah, led by King Abijah, fielded 400,000 seasoned warriors, while Jeroboam mustered 800,000 courageous men from Israel.

2Chr.13.4

Abijah took a prominent position on Mount Zemaraim in the hill country of Ephraim and gave this speech: "Listen, Jeroboam and all Israel!

2Chr.13.4

Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim, in the hill country of Ephraim, and said, "Jeroboam and all Israel, listen to me!

2Chr.13.4

Then Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim, which is in the mountains of Ephraim, and said, "Hear me, Jeroboam and all Israel:

2Chr.13.4

When the army of Judah arrived in the hill country of Ephraim, Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim and shouted to Jeroboam and the Israelite army: "Listen to me!

2Chr.13.5

Don't you realize that GOD, the one and only God of Israel, established David and his sons as the permanent rulers of Israel, ratified by a "covenant of salt'--GOD's kingdom ruled by GOD's king?

2Chr.13.5

Don't you know that the LORD, the God of Israel, has given the kingship of Israel to David and his descendants forever by a covenant of salt?

2Chr.13.5

Should you not know that the LORD God of Israel gave the dominion over Israel to David forever, to him and his sons, by a covenant of salt?

2Chr.13.5

Don't you realize that the LORD, the God of Israel, made an unbreakable covenant with David, giving him and his descendants the throne of Israel forever?

2Chr.13.6

And what happened? Jeroboam, the son of Solomon's slave Nebat, rebelled against his master.

2Chr.13.6

Yet Jeroboam son of Nebat, an official of Solomon son of David, rebelled against his master.

2Chr.13.6

Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, rose up and rebelled against his lord.

2Chr.13.6

Yet Jeroboam son of Nebat, who was a mere servant of David's son Solomon, became a traitor to his master.

2Chr.13.7

All the riff-raff joined his cause and were too much for Rehoboam, Solomon's true heir. Rehoboam didn't know his way around--besides he was a real wimp; he couldn't stand up against them.

2Chr.13.7

Some worthless scoundrels gathered around him and opposed Rehoboam son of Solomon when he was young and indecisive and not strong enough to resist them.

2Chr.13.7

Then worthless rogues gathered to him, and strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and inexperienced and could not withstand them.

2Chr.13.7

Then a whole gang of scoundrels joined him, defying Solomon's son Rehoboam when he was young and inexperienced and could not stand up to them.

2Chr.13.8

"Taking advantage of that weakness, you are asserting yourself against the very rule of GOD that is delegated to David's descendants--you think you are so big with your huge army backed up by the golden-calf idols that Jeroboam made for you as gods!

2Chr.13.8

"And now you plan to resist the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hands of David's descendants. You are indeed a vast army and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made to be your gods.

2Chr.13.8

And now you think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hand of the sons of David; and you are a great multitude, and with you are the gold calves which Jeroboam made for you as gods.

2Chr.13.8

Do you really think you can stand against the kingdom of the LORD that is led by the descendants of David? Your army is vast indeed, but with you are those gold calves that Jeroboam made as your gods!

2Chr.13.9

But just look at what you've done--you threw out the priests of GOD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made priests to suit yourselves, priests just like the pagans have. Anyone who shows up with enough money to pay for it can be a priest! A priest of No-God!

2Chr.13.9

But didn't you drive out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and make priests of your own as the peoples of other lands do? Whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams may become a priest of what are not gods.

2Chr.13.9

Have you not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made for yourselves priests, like the peoples of other lands, so that whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams may be a priest of things that are not gods?

2Chr.13.9

And you have chased away the priests of the LORD and the Levites and have appointed your own priests, just like the pagan nations. You let anyone become a priest these days! Whoever comes to be dedicated with a young bull and seven rams can become a priest of these so-called gods of yours!

2Chr.13.10

"But for the rest of us in Judah, we're sticking with GOD. We have not traded him in for the latest model--we're keeping the tried and true priests of Aaron to lead us to GOD and the Levites to lead us in worship

2Chr.13.10

"As for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him. The priests who serve the LORD are sons of Aaron, and the Levites assist them.

2Chr.13.10

But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him; and the priests who minister to the LORD are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties.

2Chr.13.10

"But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not abandoned him. Only the descendants of Aaron serve the LORD as priests, and the Levites alone may help them in their work.

2Chr.13.11

by sacrificing Whole-Burnt-Offerings and aromatic incense to GOD at the daily morning and evening prayers, setting out fresh holy bread on a clean table, and lighting the lamps on the golden Lampstand every night. We continue doing what GOD told us to in the way he told us to do it; but you have rid yourselves of him.

2Chr.13.11

Every morning and evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the LORD. They set out the bread on the ceremonially clean table and light the lamps on the gold lampstand every evening. We are observing the requirements of the LORD our God. But you have forsaken him.

2Chr.13.11

And they burn to the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense; they also set the showbread in order on the pure gold table, and the lampstand of gold with its lamps to burn every evening; for we keep the command of the LORD our God, but you have forsaken Him.

2Chr.13.11

They present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the LORD every morning and evening. They place the Bread of the Presence on the holy table, and they light the gold lampstand every evening. We are following the instructions of the LORD our God, but you have abandoned him.

2Chr.13.12

"Can't you see the obvious? God is on our side; he's our leader. And his priests with trumpets are all ready to blow the signal to battle. O Israel--don't fight against GOD, the God of your ancestors. You will not win this battle."

2Chr.13.12

God is with us; he is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. Men of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed."

2Chr.13.12

Now look, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with sounding trumpets to sound the alarm against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the LORD God of your fathers, for you shall not prosper!"

2Chr.13.12

So you see, God is with us. He is our leader. His priests blow their trumpets and lead us into battle against you. O people of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your ancestors, for you will not succeed!"

2Chr.13.13

While Abijah was speaking, Jeroboam had sent men around to take them by surprise from the rear: Jeroboam in front of Judah and the ambush behind.

2Chr.13.13

Now Jeroboam had sent troops around to the rear, so that while he was in front of Judah the ambush was behind them.

2Chr.13.13

But Jeroboam caused an ambush to go around behind them; so they were in front of Judah, and the ambush was behind them.

2Chr.13.13

Meanwhile, Jeroboam had secretly sent part of his army around behind the men of Judah to ambush them.

2Chr.13.14

When Judah looked back, they saw they were attacked front and back. They prayed desperately to GOD, the priests blew their trumpets, and the soldiers of Judah shouted their battle cry.

2Chr.13.14

Judah turned and saw that they were being attacked at both front and rear. Then they cried out to the LORD. The priests blew their trumpets

2Chr.13.14

And when Judah looked around, to their surprise the battle line was at both front and rear; and they cried out to the LORD, and the priests sounded the trumpets.

2Chr.13.14

When Judah realized that they were being attacked from the front and the rear, they cried out to the LORD for help. Then the priests blew the trumpets,

2Chr.13.15

At the battle cry, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.

2Chr.13.15

and the men of Judah raised the battle cry. At the sound of their battle cry, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.

2Chr.13.15

Then the men of Judah gave a shout; and as the men of Judah shouted, it happened that God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.

2Chr.13.15

and the men of Judah began to shout. At the sound of their battle cry, God defeated Jeroboam and the Israelite army and routed them before Abijah and the army of Judah.

2Chr.13.16

The army of Israel scattered before Judah; God gave them the victory.

2Chr.13.16

The Israelites fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hands.

2Chr.13.16

And the children of Israel fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hand.

2Chr.13.16

The Israelite army fled from Judah, and God handed them over to Judah in defeat.

2Chr.13.17

Abijah and his troops slaughtered them--500,000 of Israel's best fighters were killed that day.

2Chr.13.17

Abijah and his men inflicted heavy losses on them, so that there were five hundred thousand casualties among Israel's able men.

2Chr.13.17

Then Abijah and his people struck them with a great slaughter; so five hundred thousand choice men of Israel fell slain.

2Chr.13.17

Abijah and his army inflicted heavy losses on them; there were 500,000 casualties among Israel's finest troops that day.

2Chr.13.18

The army of Israel fell flat on its face--a humiliating defeat. The army of Judah won hands down because they trusted GOD, the God of their ancestors.

2Chr.13.18

The men of Israel were subdued on that occasion, and the men of Judah were victorious because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers.

2Chr.13.18

Thus the children of Israel were subdued at that time; and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD God of their fathers.

2Chr.13.18

So Judah defeated Israel because they trusted in the LORD, the God of their ancestors.

2Chr.13.19

Abijah followed up his victory by pursuing Jeroboam, taking the towns of Bethel, Jeshanah, and Ephron with their surrounding villages.

2Chr.13.19

Abijah pursued Jeroboam and took from him the towns of Bethel, Jeshanah and Ephron, with their surrounding villages.

2Chr.13.19

And Abijah pursued Jeroboam and took cities from him: Bethel with its villages, Jeshanah with its villages, and Ephrain with its villages.

2Chr.13.19

Abijah and his army pursued Jeroboam's troops and captured some of his towns, including Bethel, Jeshanah, and Ephron, along with their surrounding villages.

2Chr.13.20

Jeroboam never did recover from his defeat while Abijah lived. Later on GOD struck him down and he died.

2Chr.13.20

Jeroboam did not regain power during the time of Abijah. And the LORD struck him down and he died.

2Chr.13.20

So Jeroboam did not recover strength again in the days of Abijah; and the LORD struck him, and he died.

2Chr.13.20

So Jeroboam of Israel never regained his power during Abijah's lifetime, and finally the LORD struck him down and he died.

2Chr.13.21

Meanwhile Abijah flourished; he married fourteen wives and ended up with a family of twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters.

2Chr.13.21

But Abijah grew in strength. He married fourteen wives and had twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters.

2Chr.13.21

But Abijah grew mighty, married fourteen wives, and begot twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters.

2Chr.13.21

By contrast, Abijah of Judah grew more and more powerful. He married fourteen wives and had twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters.

2Chr.13.22

The rest of the history of Abijah, what he did and said, is written in the study written by Iddo the prophet.

2Chr.13.22

The other events of Abijah's reign, what he did and what he said, are written in the annotations of the prophet Iddo.

2Chr.13.22

Now the rest of the acts of Abijah, his ways, and his sayings are written in the annals of the prophet Iddo.

2Chr.13.22

The rest of the events of Abijah's reign, including his words and deeds, are recorded in The Commentary of Iddo the Prophet.

2Chr.14.1

Abijah died and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. His son Asa became the next king. For ten years into Asa's reign the country was at peace.

2Chr.14.1

And Abijah rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. Asa his son succeeded him as king, and in his days the country was at peace for ten years.

2Chr.14.1

So Abijah rested with his fathers, and they buried him in the City of David. Then Asa his son reigned in his place. In his days the land was quiet for ten years.

2Chr.14.1

When Abijah died, he was buried in the City of David. Then his son Asa became the next king. There was peace in the land for ten years,

2Chr.14.2

Asa was a good king. He did things right in GOD's eyes.

2Chr.14.2

Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God.

2Chr.14.2

Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God,

2Chr.14.2

for Asa did what was pleasing and good in the sight of the LORD his God.

2Chr.14.3

He cleaned house: got rid of the pagan altars and shrines, smashed the sacred stone pillars, and chopped down the sex-and-religion groves (Asherim).

2Chr.14.3

He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles.

2Chr.14.3

for he removed the altars of the foreign gods and the high places, and broke down the sacred pillars and cut down the wooden images.

2Chr.14.3

He removed the pagan altars and the shrines. He smashed the sacred pillars and cut down the Asherah poles.

2Chr.14.4

He told Judah to center their lives in GOD, the God of their fathers, to do what the law said, and to follow the commandments.

2Chr.14.4

He commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to obey his laws and commands.

2Chr.14.4

He commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandment.

2Chr.14.4

He commanded the people of Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his law and his commands.

2Chr.14.5

Because he got rid of all the pagan shrines and altars in the cities of Judah, his kingdom was at peace.

2Chr.14.5

He removed the high places and incense altars in every town in Judah, and the kingdom was at peace under him.

2Chr.14.5

He also removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and the kingdom was quiet under him.

2Chr.14.5

Asa also removed the pagan shrines, as well as the incense altars from every one of Judah's towns. So Asa's kingdom enjoyed a period of peace.

2Chr.14.6

Because the land was quiet and there was no war, he was able to build up a good defense system in Judah. GOD kept the peace.

2Chr.14.6

He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the LORD gave him rest.

2Chr.14.6

And he built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest; he had no war in those years, because the LORD had given him rest.

2Chr.14.6

During those peaceful years, he was able to build up the fortified cities throughout Judah. No one tried to make war against him at this time, for the LORD was giving him rest from his enemies.

2Chr.14.7

Asa said to his people, "While we have the chance and the land is quiet, let's build a solid defense system, fortifying our cities with walls, towers, gates, and bars. We have this peaceful land because we sought GOD; he has given us rest from all troubles." So they built and enjoyed prosperity.

2Chr.14.7

"Let us build up these towns," he said to Judah, "and put walls around them, with towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the LORD our God; we sought him and he has given us rest on every side." So they built and prospered.

2Chr.14.7

Therefore he said to Judah, "Let us build these cities and make walls around them, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us, because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side." So they built and prospered.

2Chr.14.7

Asa told the people of Judah, "Let us build towns and fortify them with walls, towers, gates, and bars. The land is ours because we sought the LORD our God, and he has given us rest from our enemies." So they went ahead with these projects and brought them to completion.

2Chr.14.8

Asa had an army of 300,000 Judeans, equipped with shields and spears, and another 280,000 Benjaminites who were shield bearers and archers. They were all courageous warriors.

2Chr.14.8

Asa had an army of three hundred thousand men from Judah, equipped with large shields and with spears, and two hundred and eighty thousand from Benjamin, armed with small shields and with bows. All these were brave fighting men.

2Chr.14.8

And Asa had an army of three hundred thousand from Judah who carried shields and spears, and from Benjamin two hundred and eighty thousand men who carried shields and drew bows; all these were mighty men of valor.

2Chr.14.8

King Asa had an army of 300,000 warriors from the tribe of Judah, armed with large shields and spears. He also had an army of 280,000 warriors from the tribe of Benjamin, armed with small shields and bows. Both armies were composed of courageous fighting men.

2Chr.14.9

Zerah the Ethiopian went to war against Asa with an army of a million plus 300 chariots and got as far as Mareshah.

2Chr.14.9

Zerah the Cushite marched out against them with a vast army and three hundred chariots, and came as far as Mareshah.

2Chr.14.9

Then Zerah the Ethiopian came out against them with an army of a million men and three hundred chariots, and he came to Mareshah.

2Chr.14.9

Once an Ethiopian named Zerah attacked Judah with an army of a million men and three hundred chariots. They advanced to the city of Mareshah,

2Chr.14.10

Asa met him there and prepared to fight from the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.

2Chr.14.10

Asa went out to meet him, and they took up battle positions in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.

2Chr.14.10

So Asa went out against him, and they set the troops in battle array in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

2Chr.14.10

so Asa deployed his armies for battle in the valley north of Mareshah.

2Chr.14.11

Then Asa prayed to GOD, "O GOD, you aren't impressed by numbers or intimidated by a show of force once you decide to help: Help us, O GOD; we have come out to meet this huge army because we trust in you and who you are. Don't let mere mortals stand against you!"

2Chr.14.11

Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, "LORD, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O LORD, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you."

2Chr.14.11

And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, "LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!"

2Chr.14.11

Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God, "O LORD, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O LORD, you are our God; do not let mere men prevail against you!"

2Chr.14.12

GOD defeated the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah; the Ethiopians ran for their lives.

2Chr.14.12

The LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah. The Cushites fled,

2Chr.14.12

So the LORD struck the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, and the Ethiopians fled.

2Chr.14.12

So the LORD defeated the Ethiopians in the presence of Asa and the army of Judah, and the enemy fled.

2Chr.14.13

Asa and his men chased them as far as Gerar; so many of the Ethiopians were killed that there was no fight left in them--a massacre before GOD and his troops; Judah carted off loads of plunder.

2Chr.14.13

and Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar. Such a great number of Cushites fell that they could not recover; they were crushed before the LORD and his forces. The men of Judah carried off a large amount of plunder.

2Chr.14.13

And Asa and the people who were with him pursued them to Gerar. So the Ethiopians were overthrown, and they could not recover, for they were broken before the LORD and His army. And they carried away very much spoil.

2Chr.14.13

Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar, and so many Ethiopians fell that they were unable to rally. They were destroyed by the LORD and his army, and the army of Judah carried off vast quantities of plunder.

2Chr.14.14

They devastated all the towns around Gerar whose people were helpless, paralyzed by the fear of GOD and looted the country.

2Chr.14.14

They destroyed all the villages around Gerar, for the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all these villages, since there was much booty there.

2Chr.14.14

Then they defeated all the cities around Gerar, for the fear of the LORD came upon them; and they plundered all the cities, for there was exceedingly much spoil in them.

2Chr.14.14

While they were at Gerar, they attacked all the towns in that area, and terror from the LORD came upon the people there. As a result, vast quantities of plunder were taken from these towns, too.

2Chr.14.15

They also attacked herdsmen and brought back a lot of sheep and camels to Jerusalem.

2Chr.14.15

They also attacked the camps of the herdsmen and carried off droves of sheep and goats and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem.

2Chr.14.15

They also attacked the livestock enclosures, and carried off sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem.

2Chr.14.15

They also attacked the camps of herdsmen and captured many sheep and camels before finally returning to Jerusalem.

2Chr.15.1

Then Azariah son of Obed, moved by the Spirit of God,

2Chr.15.1

The Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded.

2Chr.15.1

Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded.

2Chr.15.1

Then the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded,

2Chr.15.2

went out to meet Asa. He said, "Listen carefully, Asa, and listen Judah and Benjamin: GOD will stick with you as long as you stick with him. If you look for him he will let himself be found; but if you leave him he'll leave you.

2Chr.15.2

He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.

2Chr.15.2

And he went out to meet Asa, and said to him: "Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.

2Chr.15.2

and he went out to meet King Asa as he was returning from the battle. "Listen to me, Asa!" he shouted. "Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The LORD will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.

2Chr.15.3

For a long time Israel didn't have the real God, nor did they have the help of priest or teacher or book.

2Chr.15.3

For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law.

2Chr.15.3

For a long time Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without law;

2Chr.15.3

For a long time, Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach them, and without God's law.

2Chr.15.4

But when they were in trouble and got serious, and decided to seek GOD, the God of Israel, GOD let himself be found.

2Chr.15.4

But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him, and he was found by them.

2Chr.15.4

but when in their trouble they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them.

2Chr.15.4

But whenever you were in distress and turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him out, you found him.

2Chr.15.5

At that time it was a dog-eat-dog world; life was constantly up for grabs--no one, regardless of country, knew what the next day might bring.

2Chr.15.5

In those days it was not safe to travel about, for all the inhabitants of the lands were in great turmoil.

2Chr.15.5

And in those times there was no peace to the one who went out, nor to the one who came in, but great turmoil was on all the inhabitants of the lands.

2Chr.15.5

During those dark times, it was not safe to travel. Problems troubled the nation on every hand.

2Chr.15.6

Nation battered nation, city pummeled city. God let loose every kind of trouble among them.

2Chr.15.6

One nation was being crushed by another and one city by another, because God was troubling them with every kind of distress.

2Chr.15.6

So nation was destroyed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every adversity.

2Chr.15.6

Nation fought against nation, and city against city, for God was troubling you with every kind of problem.

2Chr.15.7

"But it's different with you: Be strong. Take heart. Payday is coming!"

2Chr.15.7

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

2Chr.15.7

But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!"

2Chr.15.7

And now, you men of Judah, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded."

2Chr.15.8

Asa heard the prophecy of Azariah son of Obed, took a deep breath, then rolled up his sleeves, and went to work: He cleaned out the obscene and polluting sacred shrines from the whole country of Judah and Benjamin and from the towns he had taken in the hill country of Ephraim. He spruced up the Altar of GOD that was in front of The Temple porch.

2Chr.15.8

When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded the prophet, he took courage. He removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the towns he had captured in the hills of Ephraim. He repaired the altar of the LORD that was in front of the portico of the LORD's temple.

2Chr.15.8

And when Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and removed the abominable idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities which he had taken in the mountains of Ephraim; and he restored the altar of the LORD that was before the vestibule of the LORD.

2Chr.15.8

When Asa heard this message from Azariah the prophet, he took courage and removed all the idols in the land of Judah and Benjamin and in the towns he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. And he repaired the altar of the LORD, which stood in front of the foyer of the LORD's Temple.

2Chr.15.9

Then he called an assembly for all Judah and Benjamin, including those from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who were living there at the time (for many from Israel had left their homes and joined forces with Asa when they saw that GOD was on his side).

2Chr.15.9

Then he assembled all Judah and Benjamin and the people from Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon who had settled among them, for large numbers had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.

2Chr.15.9

Then he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those who dwelt with them from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon, for they came over to him in great numbers from Israel when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.

2Chr.15.9

Then Asa called together all the people of Judah and Benjamin, along with the people of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled among them. Many had moved to Judah during Asa's reign when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.

2Chr.15.10

They all arrived in Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of Asa's reign

2Chr.15.10

They assembled at Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of Asa's reign.

2Chr.15.10

So they gathered together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa.

2Chr.15.10

The people gathered at Jerusalem in late spring, during the fifteenth year of Asa's reign.

2Chr.15.11

for a great assembly of worship. From their earlier plunder they offered sacrifices of 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep for the worship.

2Chr.15.11

At that time they sacrificed to the LORD seven hundred head of cattle and seven thousand sheep and goats from the plunder they had brought back.

2Chr.15.11

And they offered to the LORD at that time seven hundred bulls and seven thousand sheep from the spoil they had brought.

2Chr.15.11

On that day they sacrificed to the LORD some of the animals they had taken as plunder in the battle--seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep and goats.

2Chr.15.12

Then they bound themselves in a covenant to seek GOD, the God of their fathers, wholeheartedly, holding nothing back.

2Chr.15.12

They entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul.

2Chr.15.12

Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;

2Chr.15.12

Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul.

2Chr.15.13

And they agreed that anyone who refused to seek GOD, the God of Israel, should be killed, no matter who it was, young or old, man or woman.

2Chr.15.13

All who would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, were to be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman.

2Chr.15.13

and whoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel was to be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.

2Chr.15.13

They agreed that anyone who refused to seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death--whether young or old, man or woman.

2Chr.15.14

They shouted out their promise to GOD, a joyful sound accompanied with blasts from trumpets and rams' horns.

2Chr.15.14

They took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns.

2Chr.15.14

Then they took an oath before the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting and trumpets and rams' horns.

2Chr.15.14

They shouted out their oath of loyalty to the LORD with trumpets blaring and horns sounding.

2Chr.15.15

The whole country felt good about the covenant promise--they had given their promise joyfully from the heart. Anticipating the best, they had sought God--and he showed up, ready to be found. GOD gave them peace within and without--a most peaceable kingdom!

2Chr.15.15

All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.

2Chr.15.15

And all Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and sought Him with all their soul; and He was found by them, and the LORD gave them rest all around.

2Chr.15.15

All were happy about this covenant, for they had entered into it with all their hearts. Eagerly they sought after God, and they found him. And the LORD gave them rest from their enemies on every side.

2Chr.15.16

In his clean-up of the country, Asa went so far as to remove his mother, Queen Maacah, from her throne because she had built a shockingly obscene image of the sex goddess Asherah. Asa tore it down, smashed it, and burned it up in the Kidron Valley.

2Chr.15.16

King Asa also deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother, because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole. Asa cut the pole down, broke it up and burned it in the Kidron Valley.

2Chr.15.16

Also he removed Maachah, the mother of Asa the king, from being queen mother, because she had made an obscene image of Asherah; and Asa cut down her obscene image, then crushed and burned it by the Brook Kidron.

2Chr.15.16

King Asa even deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made an obscene Asherah pole. He cut down the pole, broke it up, and burned it in the Kidron Valley.

2Chr.15.17

Unfortunately he didn't get rid of the local sex-and-religion shrines. But he was well-intentioned--his heart was in the right place, loyal to GOD

2Chr.15.17

Although he did not remove the high places from Israel, Asa's heart was fully committed to the LORD all his life.

2Chr.15.17

But the high places were not removed from Israel. Nevertheless the heart of Asa was loyal all his days.

2Chr.15.17

Although the pagan shrines were not completely removed from Israel, Asa remained fully committed to the LORD throughout his life.

2Chr.15.18

All the gold and silver vessels and artifacts that he and his father had consecrated for holy use he installed in The Temple of God.

2Chr.15.18

He brought into the temple of God the silver and gold and the articles that he and his father had dedicated.

2Chr.15.18

He also brought into the house of God the things that his father had dedicated and that he himself had dedicated: silver and gold and utensils.

2Chr.15.18

He brought into the Temple of God the silver and gold and the utensils that he and his father had dedicated.

2Chr.15.19

There wasn't a trace of war up to the thirty-fifth year of Asa's reign.

2Chr.15.19

There was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa's reign.

2Chr.15.19

And there was no war until the thirty-fifth year of the reign of Asa.

2Chr.15.19

So there was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa's reign.

1Cor.14.20

To be perfectly frank, I'm getting exasperated with your infantile thinking. How long before you grow up and use your head--your adult head? It's all right to have a childlike unfamiliarity with evil; a simple no is all that's needed there. But there's far more to saying yes to something. Only mature and well-exercised intelligence can save you from falling into gullibility.

1Cor.14.20

Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

1Cor.14.20

Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

1Cor.14.20

Dear brothers and sisters, don't be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature and wise in understanding matters of this kind.

1Cor.14.21

It's written in Scripture that God said, In strange tongues and from the mouths of strangers I will preach to this people, but they'll neither listen nor believe.

1Cor.14.21

In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord.

1Cor.14.21

In the law it is written: "With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me," says the Lord.

1Cor.14.21

It is written in the Scriptures, "I will speak to my own people through unknown languages and through the lips of foreigners. But even then, they will not listen to me," says the Lord.

1Cor.14.22

So where does it get you, all this speaking in tongues no one understands? It doesn't help believers, and it only gives unbelievers something to gawk at. Plain truth-speaking, on the other hand, goes straight to the heart of believers and doesn't get in the way of unbelievers.

1Cor.14.22

Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.

1Cor.14.22

Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.

1Cor.14.22

So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for the benefit of believers, not unbelievers.

1Cor.14.23

If you come together as a congregation and some unbelieving outsiders walk in on you as you're all praying in tongues, unintelligible to each other and to them, won't they assume you've taken leave of your senses and get out of there as fast as they can?

1Cor.14.23

So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?

1Cor.14.23

Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?

1Cor.14.23

Even so, if unbelievers or people who don't understand these things come into your meeting and hear everyone talking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy.

1Cor.14.24

But if some unbelieving outsiders walk in on a service where people are speaking out God's truth, the plain words will bring them up against the truth

1Cor.14.24

But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all,

1Cor.14.24

But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.

1Cor.14.24

But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don't understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin, and they will be condemned by what you say.

1Cor.14.25

and probe their hearts. Before you know it, they're going to be on their faces before God, recognizing that God is among you.

1Cor.14.25

and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"

1Cor.14.25

And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

1Cor.14.25

As they listen, their secret thoughts will be laid bare, and they will fall down on their knees and worship God, declaring, "God is really here among you."

1Cor.14.26

So here's what I want you to do. When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight.

1Cor.14.26

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.

1Cor.14.26

How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

1Cor.14.26

Well, my brothers and sisters, let's summarize what I am saying. When you meet, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in an unknown language, while another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must be useful to all and build them up in the Lord.

1Cor.14.27

If prayers are offered in tongues, two or three's the limit, and then only if someone is present who can interpret what you're saying.

1Cor.14.27

If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.

1Cor.14.27

If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.

1Cor.14.27

No more than two or three should speak in an unknown language. They must speak one at a time, and someone must be ready to interpret what they are saying.

1Cor.14.28

Otherwise, keep it between God and yourself.

1Cor.14.28

If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.

1Cor.14.28

But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.

1Cor.14.28

But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately.

1Cor.14.29

And no more than two or three speakers at a meeting, with the rest of you listening and taking it to heart.

1Cor.14.29

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.

1Cor.14.29

Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.

1Cor.14.29

Let two or three prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said.

1Cor.14.30

Take your turn, no one person taking over.

1Cor.14.30

And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop.

1Cor.14.30

But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.

1Cor.14.30

But if someone is prophesying and another person receives a revelation from the Lord, the one who is speaking must stop.

1Cor.14.31

Then each speaker gets a chance to say something special from God, and you all learn from each other.

1Cor.14.31

For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.

1Cor.14.31

For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.

1Cor.14.31

In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged.

1Cor.14.32

If you choose to speak, you're also responsible for how and when you speak.

1Cor.14.32

The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.

1Cor.14.32

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

1Cor.14.32

Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can wait their turn.

1Cor.14.33

When we worship the right way, God doesn't stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony. This goes for all the churches--no exceptions.

1Cor.14.33

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

1Cor.14.33

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

1Cor.14.33

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the other churches.

1Cor.14.34

Wives must not disrupt worship, talking when they should be listening,

1Cor.14.34

As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.

1Cor.14.34

Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.

1Cor.14.34

Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says.

1Cor.14.35

asking questions that could more appropriately be asked of their husbands at home. God's Book of the law guides our manners and customs here. Wives have no license to use the time of worship for unwarranted speaking.

1Cor.14.35

If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

1Cor.14.35

And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.

1Cor.14.35

If they have any questions to ask, let them ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings.

1Cor.14.36

Do you--both women and men--imagine that you're a sacred oracle determining what's right and wrong? Do you think everything revolves around you?

1Cor.14.36

Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?

1Cor.14.36

Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached?

1Cor.14.36

Do you think that the knowledge of God's word begins and ends with you Corinthians? Well, you are mistaken!

1Cor.14.37

If any one of you thinks God has something for you to say or has inspired you to do something, pay close attention to what I have written. This is the way the Master wants it.

1Cor.14.37

If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command.

1Cor.14.37

If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.

1Cor.14.37

If you claim to be a prophet or think you are very spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself.

1Cor.14.38

If you won't play by these rules, God can't use you. Sorry.

1Cor.14.38

If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.

1Cor.14.38

But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.

1Cor.14.38

But if you do not recognize this, you will not be recognized.

1Cor.14.39

Three things, then, to sum this up: When you speak forth God's truth, speak your heart out. Don't tell people how they should or shouldn't pray when they're praying in tongues that you don't understand.

1Cor.14.39

Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

1Cor.14.39

Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.

1Cor.14.39

So, dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don't forbid speaking in tongues.

1Cor.14.40

Be courteous and considerate in everything.

1Cor.14.40

But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

1Cor.14.40

Let all things be done decently and in order.

1Cor.14.40

But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.

Ps.101.1

My theme song is God's love and justice, and I'm singing it right to you, GOD.

Ps.101.1

I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.

Ps.101.1

I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O LORD, I will sing praises.

Ps.101.1

I will sing of your love and justice. I will praise you, LORD, with songs.

Ps.101.2

I'm finding my way down the road of right living, but how long before you show up? I'm doing the very best I can, and I'm doing it at home, where it counts.

Ps.101.2

I will be careful to lead a blameless life- when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart.

Ps.101.2

I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

Ps.101.2

I will be careful to live a blameless life--when will you come to my aid? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.

Ps.101.3

I refuse to take a second look at corrupting people and degrading things. I reject made-in-Canaan gods, stay clear of contamination.

Ps.101.3

I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me.

Ps.101.3

I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me.

Ps.101.3

I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all crooked dealings; I will have nothing to do with them.

Ps.101.4

The crooked in heart keep their distance; I refuse to shake hands with those who plan evil.

Ps.101.4

Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil.

Ps.101.4

A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness.

Ps.101.4

I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.

Ps.101.5

I put a gag on the gossip who bad-mouths his neighbor; I can't stand arrogance.

Ps.101.5

Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure.

Ps.101.5

Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure.

Ps.101.5

I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.

Ps.101.6

But I have my eye on salt-of-the-earth people--they're the ones I want working with me; Men and women on the straight and narrow--these are the ones I want at my side.

Ps.101.6

My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.

Ps.101.6

My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me.

Ps.101.6

I will keep a protective eye on the godly, so they may dwell with me in safety. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.

Ps.101.7

But no one who traffics in lies gets a job with me; I have no patience with liars. I've rounded up all the wicked like cattle and herded them right out of the country.

Ps.101.7

No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.

Ps.101.7

He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.

Ps.101.7

I will not allow deceivers to serve me, and liars will not be allowed to enter my presence.

Ps.101.8

I purged GOD's city of all who make a business of evil. A prayer of one whose life is falling to pieces, and who lets God know just how bad it is.

Ps.101.8

Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land; I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the LORD.

Ps.101.8

Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land, That I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD.

Ps.101.8

My daily task will be to ferret out criminals and free the city of the LORD from their grip.