Scripture Reading

2Chr.35.20-2Chr.36.23,2Cor.3.7-2Cor.3.18,Ps.104.19-Ps.104.30

2Chr.35.20-2Chr.36.23

2Chr.35.20

After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him.

2Chr.35.20

Some time later, after Josiah's reformation of The Temple, Neco king of Egypt marched out toward Carchemish on the Euphrates River on his way to war. Josiah went out to fight him.

2Chr.35.20

After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Neco king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah marched out to meet him in battle.

2Chr.35.20

After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates; and Josiah went out against him.

2Chr.35.20

After Josiah had finished restoring the Temple, King Neco of Egypt led his army up from Egypt to do battle at Carchemish on the Euphrates River, and Josiah and his army marched out to fight him.

2Chr.35.21

But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not.

2Chr.35.21

Neco sent messengers to Josiah saying, "What do we have against each other, O king of Judah? I haven't come to fight against you but against the country with whom I'm at war. God commanded me to hurry, so don't get in my way; you'll only interfere with God, who is on my side in this, and he'll destroy you."

2Chr.35.21

But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, "What quarrel is there between you and me, O king of Judah? It is not you I am attacking at this time, but the house with which I am at war. God has told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or he will destroy you."

2Chr.35.21

But he sent messengers to him, saying, "What have I to do with you, king of Judah? I have not come against you this day, but against the house with which I have war; for God commanded me to make haste. Refrain from meddling with God, who is with me, lest He destroy you."

2Chr.35.21

But King Neco sent ambassadors to Josiah with this message: "What do you want with me, king of Judah? I have no quarrel with you today! I only want to fight the nation with which I am at war. And God has told me to hurry! Do not interfere with God, who is with me, or he will destroy you."

2Chr.35.22

Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

2Chr.35.22

But Josiah was spoiling for a fight and wouldn't listen to a thing Neco said (in actuality it was God who said it). Though King Josiah disguised himself when they met on the plain of Megiddo,

2Chr.35.22

Josiah, however, would not turn away from him, but disguised himself to engage him in battle. He would not listen to what Neco had said at God's command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo.

2Chr.35.22

Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself so that he might fight with him, and did not heed the words of Necho from the mouth of God. So he came to fight in the Valley of Megiddo.

2Chr.35.22

But Josiah refused to listen to Neco, to whom God had indeed spoken, and he would not turn back. Instead, he led his army into battle on the plain of Megiddo. He laid aside his royal robes so the enemy would not recognize him.

2Chr.35.23

And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded.

2Chr.35.23

archers shot him anyway. The king said to his servants, "Get me out of here--I'm badly wounded."

2Chr.35.23

Archers shot King Josiah, and he told his officers, "Take me away; I am badly wounded."

2Chr.35.23

And the archers shot King Josiah; and the king said to his servants, "Take me away, for I am severely wounded."

2Chr.35.23

But the enemy archers hit King Josiah with their arrows and wounded him. He cried out to his men, "Take me from the battle, for I am badly wounded!"

2Chr.35.24

His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.

2Chr.35.24

So his servants took him out of his chariot and laid him down in an ambulance chariot and drove him back to Jerusalem. He died there and was buried in the family cemetery. Everybody in Judah and Jerusalem attended the funeral.

2Chr.35.24

So they took him out of his chariot, put him in the other chariot he had and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. He was buried in the tombs of his fathers, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him.

2Chr.35.24

His servants therefore took him out of that chariot and put him in the second chariot that he had, and they brought him to Jerusalem. So he died, and was buried in one of the tombs of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.

2Chr.35.24

So they lifted Josiah out of his chariot and placed him in another chariot. Then they brought him back to Jerusalem, where he died. He was buried there in the royal cemetery. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him.

2Chr.35.25

And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations.

2Chr.35.25

Jeremiah composed an anthem of lament for Josiah. The anthem is still sung by the choirs of Israel to this day. The anthem is written in the Laments.

2Chr.35.25

Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah, and to this day all the men and women singers commemorate Josiah in the laments. These became a tradition in Israel and are written in the Laments.

2Chr.35.25

Jeremiah also lamented for Josiah. And to this day all the singing men and the singing women speak of Josiah in their lamentations. They made it a custom in Israel; and indeed they are written in the Laments.

2Chr.35.25

The prophet Jeremiah composed funeral songs for Josiah, and to this day choirs still sing these sad songs about his death. These songs of sorrow have become a tradition and are recorded in The Book of Laments.

2Chr.35.26

Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to that which was written in the law of the LORD,

2Chr.35.26

The rest of the history of Josiah, his exemplary and devout life, conformed to The Revelation of GOD.

2Chr.35.26

The other events of Josiah's reign and his acts of devotion, according to what is written in the Law of the LORD -

2Chr.35.26

Now the rest of the acts of Josiah and his goodness, according to what was written in the Law of the LORD,

2Chr.35.26

The rest of the events of Josiah's reign and his acts of devotion done according to the written law of the LORD,

2Chr.35.27

And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

2Chr.35.27

The whole story, from start to finish, is written in the Royal Annals of the Kings of Israel and Judah. 1By popular choice, Jehoahaz son of Josiah was made king at Jerusalem, succeeding his father.

2Chr.35.27

all the events, from beginning to end, are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

2Chr.35.27

and his deeds from first to last, indeed they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

2Chr.35.27

from beginning to end, are recorded in The Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah.

2Chr.36.1

Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's stead in Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.1

By popular choice, Jehoahaz son of Josiah was made king at Jerusalem, succeeding his father.

2Chr.36.1

And the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father.

2Chr.36.1

Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's place in Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.1

Then the people of the land took Josiah's son Jehoahaz and made him the next king in Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.2

Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.2

Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he began to rule. He was king in Jerusalem for a mere three months.

2Chr.36.2

Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months.

2Chr.36.2

Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.2

Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, but he reigned only three months.

2Chr.36.3

And the king of Egypt put him down at Jerusalem, and condemned the land in an hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.

2Chr.36.3

The king of Egypt dethroned him and forced the country to pay him nearly four tons of silver and seventy-five pounds of gold.

2Chr.36.3

The king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.

2Chr.36.3

Now the king of Egypt deposed him at Jerusalem; and he imposed on the land a tribute of one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.

2Chr.36.3

Then he was deposed by Neco, the king of Egypt, who demanded a tribute from Judah of 7,500 pounds of silver and 75 pounds of gold.

2Chr.36.4

And the king of Egypt made Eliakim his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem, and turned his name to Jehoiakim. And Necho took Jehoahaz his brother, and carried him to Egypt.

2Chr.36.4

Neco king of Egypt then made Eliakim, Jehoahaz's brother, king of Judah and Jerusalem, but changed his name to Jehoiakim; then he took Jehoahaz back with him to Egypt.

2Chr.36.4

The king of Egypt made Eliakim, a brother of Jehoahaz, king over Judah and Jerusalem and changed Eliakim's name to Jehoiakim. But Neco took Eliakim's brother Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt.

2Chr.36.4

Then the king of Egypt made Jehoahaz's brother Eliakim king over Judah and Jerusalem, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. And Necho took Jehoahaz his brother and carried him off to Egypt.

2Chr.36.4

The king of Egypt appointed Eliakim, the brother of Jehoahaz, as the next king of Judah and Jerusalem, and he changed Eliakim's name to Jehoiakim. Then Neco took Jehoahaz to Egypt as a prisoner.

2Chr.36.5

Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD his God.

2Chr.36.5

Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to rule; he was king for eleven years in Jerusalem. In GOD's opinion he was an evil king.

2Chr.36.5

Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD his God.

2Chr.36.5

Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD his God.

2Chr.36.5

Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. But he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD his God.

2Chr.36.6

Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon.

2Chr.36.6

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made war against him, and bound him in bronze chains, intending to take him prisoner to Babylon.

2Chr.36.6

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon attacked him and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon.

2Chr.36.6

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against him, and bound him in bronze fetters to carry him off to Babylon.

2Chr.36.6

Then King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and captured it, and he bound Jehoiakim in chains and led him away to Babylon.

2Chr.36.7

Nebuchadnezzar also carried of the vessels of the house of the LORD to Babylon, and put them in his temple at Babylon.

2Chr.36.7

Nebuchadnezzar also took things from The Temple of GOD to Babylon and put them in his royal palace.

2Chr.36.7

Nebuchadnezzar also took to Babylon articles from the temple of the LORD and put them in his temple there.

2Chr.36.7

Nebuchadnezzar also carried off some of the articles from the house of the LORD to Babylon, and put them in his temple at Babylon.

2Chr.36.7

Nebuchadnezzar also took some of the treasures from the Temple of the LORD, and he placed them in his palace in Babylon.

2Chr.36.8

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.

2Chr.36.8

The rest of the history of Jehoiakim, the outrageous sacrilege he committed and what happened to him as a consequence, is all written in the Royal Annals of the Kings of Israel and Judah. Jehoiachin his son became the next king.

2Chr.36.8

The other events of Jehoiakim's reign, the detestable things he did and all that was found against him, are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. And Jehoiachin his son succeeded him as king.

2Chr.36.8

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, the abominations which he did, and what was found against him, indeed they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. Then Jehoiachin his son reigned in his place.

2Chr.36.8

The rest of the events of Jehoiakim's reign, including all the evil things he did and everything found against him, are recorded in The Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. Then his son Jehoiachin became the next king.

2Chr.36.9

Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD.

2Chr.36.9

Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king. But he ruled for only three months and ten days in Jerusalem. In GOD's opinion he was an evil king.

2Chr.36.9

Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months and ten days. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD.

2Chr.36.9

Jehoiachin was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months and ten days. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD.

2Chr.36.9

Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, but he reigned in Jerusalem only three months and ten days. Jehoiachin did what was evil in the LORD's sight.

2Chr.36.10

And when the year was expired, king Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought him to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of the LORD, and made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.10

In the spring King Nebuchadnezzar ordered him brought to Babylon along with the valuables remaining in The Temple of GODThen he made his uncle Zedekiah a puppet king over Judah and Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.10

In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar sent for him and brought him to Babylon, together with articles of value from the temple of the LORD, and he made Jehoiachin's uncle, Zedekiah, king over Judah and Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.10

At the turn of the year King Nebuchadnezzar summoned him and took him to Babylon, with the costly articles from the house of the LORD, and made Zedekiah, Jehoiakim's brother, king over Judah and Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.10

In the spring of the following year, Jehoiachin was summoned to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. Many treasures from the Temple of the LORD were taken to Babylon at that time. And Nebuchadnezzar appointed Jehoiachin's uncle, Zedekiah, to be the next king in Judah and Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.11

Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.11

Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he started out as king. He was king in Jerusalem for eleven years.

2Chr.36.11

Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years.

2Chr.36.11

Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.11

Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years.

2Chr.36.12

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet speaking from the mouth of the LORD.

2Chr.36.12

As far as GOD was concerned, he was just one more evil king; there wasn't a trace of contrition in him when the prophet Jeremiah preached GOD's word to him.

2Chr.36.12

He did evil in the eyes of the LORD his God and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the LORD.

2Chr.36.12

He did evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke from the mouth of the LORD.

2Chr.36.12

He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and he refused to humble himself in the presence of the prophet Jeremiah, who spoke for the LORD.

2Chr.36.13

And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.

2Chr.36.13

Then he compounded his troubles by rebelling against King Nebuchadnezzar, who earlier had made him swear in God's name that he would be loyal. He became set in his own stubborn ways--he never gave GOD a thought; repentance never entered his mind.

2Chr.36.13

He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him take an oath in God's name. He became stiff-necked and hardened his heart and would not turn to the LORD, the God of Israel.

2Chr.36.13

And he also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear an oath by God; but he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD God of Israel.

2Chr.36.13

He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, even though he had taken an oath of loyalty in God's name. Zedekiah was a hard and stubborn man, refusing to turn to the LORD, the God of Israel.

2Chr.36.14

Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.14

The evil mindset spread to the leaders and priests and filtered down to the people--it kicked off an epidemic of evil, repeating the abominations of the pagans and polluting The Temple of GOD so recently consecrated in Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.14

Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the LORD, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.14

Moreover all the leaders of the priests and the people transgressed more and more, according to all the abominations of the nations, and defiled the house of the LORD which He had consecrated in Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.14

All the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful. They followed the pagan practices of the surrounding nations, desecrating the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem.

2Chr.36.15

And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

2Chr.36.15

GOD, the God of their ancestors, repeatedly sent warning messages to them. Out of compassion for both his people and his Temple he wanted to give them every chance possible.

2Chr.36.15

The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place.

2Chr.36.15

And the LORD God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place.

2Chr.36.15

The LORD, the God of their ancestors, repeatedly sent his prophets to warn them, for he had compassion on his people and his Temple.

2Chr.36.16

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.

2Chr.36.16

But they wouldn't listen; they poked fun at God's messengers, despised the message itself, and in general treated the prophets like idiots. GOD became more and more angry until there was no turning back--

2Chr.36.16

But they mocked God's messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.

2Chr.36.16

But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy.

2Chr.36.16

But the people mocked these messengers of God and despised their words. They scoffed at the prophets until the LORD's anger could no longer be restrained and there was no remedy.

2Chr.36.17

Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand.

2Chr.36.17

GOD called in Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who came and killed indiscriminately--and right in The Temple itself; it was a ruthless massacre: young men and virgins, the elderly and weak--they were all the same to him.

2Chr.36.17

He brought up against them the king of the Babylonians, who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and spared neither young man nor young woman, old man or aged. God handed all of them over to Nebuchadnezzar.

2Chr.36.17

Therefore He brought against them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion on young man or virgin, on the aged or the weak; He gave them all into his hand.

2Chr.36.17

So the LORD brought the king of Babylon against them. The Babylonians killed Judah's young men, even chasing after them into the Temple. They had no pity on the people, killing both young and old, men and women, healthy and sick. God handed them all over to Nebuchadnezzar.

2Chr.36.18

And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all these he brought to Babylon.

2Chr.36.18

And then he plundered The Temple of everything valuable, cleaned it out completely; he emptied the treasuries of The Temple of God, the treasuries of the king and his officials, and hauled it all, people and possessions, off to Babylon.

2Chr.36.18

He carried to Babylon all the articles from the temple of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the LORD's temple and the treasures of the king and his officials.

2Chr.36.18

And all the articles from the house of God, great and small, the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king and of his leaders, all these he took to Babylon.

2Chr.36.18

The king also took home to Babylon all the utensils, large and small, used in the Temple of God, and the treasures from both the LORD's Temple and the royal palace. He also took with him all the royal princes.

2Chr.36.19

And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof.

2Chr.36.19

He burned The Temple of God to the ground, knocked down the wall of Jerusalem, and set fire to all the buildings--everything valuable was burned up.

2Chr.36.19

They set fire to God's temple and broke down the wall of Jerusalem; they burned all the palaces and destroyed everything of value there.

2Chr.36.19

Then they burned the house of God, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, burned all its palaces with fire, and destroyed all its precious possessions.

2Chr.36.19

Then his army set fire to the Temple of God, broke down the walls of Jerusalem, burned all the palaces, and completely destroyed everything of value.

2Chr.36.20

And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:

2Chr.36.20

Any survivor was taken prisoner into exile in Babylon and made a slave to Nebuchadnezzar and his family. The exile and slavery lasted until the kingdom of Persia took over.

2Chr.36.20

He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power.

2Chr.36.20

And those who escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon, where they became servants to him and his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia,

2Chr.36.20

The few who survived were taken away to Babylon, and they became servants to the king and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power.

2Chr.36.21

To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

2Chr.36.21

This is exactly the message of GOD that Jeremiah had preached: the desolate land put to an extended sabbath rest, a seventy-year Sabbath rest making up for all the unkept Sabbaths.

2Chr.36.21

The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah.

2Chr.36.21

to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths. As long as she lay desolate she kept Sabbath, to fulfill seventy years.

2Chr.36.21

So the message of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah was fulfilled. The land finally enjoyed its Sabbath rest, lying desolate for seventy years, just as the prophet had said.

2Chr.36.22

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

2Chr.36.22

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia--this fulfilled the message of GOD preached by Jeremiah--GOD moved Cyrus king of Persia to make an official announcement throughout his kingdom; he wrote it out as follows:

2Chr.36.22

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing:

2Chr.36.22

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying,

2Chr.36.22

In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the LORD fulfilled Jeremiah's prophecy by stirring the heart of Cyrus to put this proclamation into writing and to send it throughout his kingdom:

2Chr.36.23

Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.

2Chr.36.23

"From Cyrus king of Persia a proclamation: GOD, the God of the heavens, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has also assigned me to build him a Temple of worship at Jerusalem in Judah. All who belong to GOD's people are urged to return--and may your GOD be with you! Move forward!"

2Chr.36.23

"This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: "'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you-may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.'"

2Chr.36.23

Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: 4 All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Who is among you of all His people? May the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up!

2Chr.36.23

"This is what King Cyrus of Persia says: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem in the land of Judah. All of you who are the LORD's people may return to Israel for this task. May the LORD your God be with you!"

2Cor.3.7-2Cor.3.18

2Cor.3.7

But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:

2Cor.3.7

The Government of Death, its constitution chiseled on stone tablets, had a dazzling inaugural. Moses' face as he delivered the tablets was so bright that day (even though it would fade soon enough) that the people of Israel could no more look right at him than stare into the sun.

2Cor.3.7

Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was,

2Cor.3.7

But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away,

2Cor.3.7

That old system of law etched in stone led to death, yet it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses' face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away.

2Cor.3.8

How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

2Cor.3.8

How much more dazzling, then, the Government of Living Spirit?

2Cor.3.8

will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?

2Cor.3.8

how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?

2Cor.3.8

Shouldn't we expect far greater glory when the Holy Spirit is giving life?

2Cor.3.9

For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

2Cor.3.9

If the Government of Condemnation was impressive, how about this Government of Affirmation?

2Cor.3.9

If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!

2Cor.3.9

For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.

2Cor.3.9

If the old covenant, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new covenant, which makes us right with God!

2Cor.3.10

For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

2Cor.3.10

Bright as that old government was, it would look downright dull alongside this new one.

2Cor.3.10

For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory.

2Cor.3.10

For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels.

2Cor.3.10

In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new covenant.

2Cor.3.11

For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

2Cor.3.11

If that makeshift arrangement impressed us, how much more this brightly shining government installed for eternity?

2Cor.3.11

And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

2Cor.3.11

For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.

2Cor.3.11

So if the old covenant, which has been set aside, was full of glory, then the new covenant, which remains forever, has far greater glory.

2Cor.3.12

Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

2Cor.3.12

With that kind of hope to excite us, nothing holds us back.

2Cor.3.12

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.

2Cor.3.12

Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech--

2Cor.3.12

Since this new covenant gives us such confidence, we can be very bold.

2Cor.3.13

And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

2Cor.3.13

Unlike Moses, we have nothing to hide. Everything is out in the open with us. He wore a veil so the children of Israel wouldn't notice that the glory was fading away--

2Cor.3.13

We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away.

2Cor.3.13

unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away.

2Cor.3.13

We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory fading away.

2Cor.3.14

But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

2Cor.3.14

and they didn't notice. They didn't notice it then and they don't notice it now, don't notice that there's nothing left behind that veil.

2Cor.3.14

But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.

2Cor.3.14

But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ.

2Cor.3.14

But the people's minds were hardened, and even to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, a veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ.

2Cor.3.15

But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

2Cor.3.15

Even today when the proclamations of that old, bankrupt government are read out, they can't see through it. Only Christ can get rid of the veil so they can see for themselves that there's nothing there.

2Cor.3.15

Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.

2Cor.3.15

But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.

2Cor.3.15

Yes, even today when they read Moses' writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.

2Cor.3.16

Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

2Cor.3.16

Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are--face to face!

2Cor.3.16

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

2Cor.3.16

Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

2Cor.3.16

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, then the veil is taken away.

2Cor.3.17

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

2Cor.3.17

They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it!

2Cor.3.17

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2Cor.3.17

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

2Cor.3.17

Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom.

2Cor.3.18

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2Cor.3.18

All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.

2Cor.3.18

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2Cor.3.18

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2Cor.3.18

And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.

Ps.104.19-Ps.104.30

Ps.104.19

He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.

Ps.104.19

The moon keeps track of the seasons, the sun is in charge of each day.

Ps.104.19

The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.

Ps.104.19

He appointed the moon for seasons; The sun knows its going down.

Ps.104.19

You made the moon to mark the seasons and the sun that knows when to set.

Ps.104.20

Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.

Ps.104.20

When it's dark and night takes over, all the forest creatures come out.

Ps.104.20

You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl.

Ps.104.20

You make darkness, and it is night, In which all the beasts of the forest creep about.

Ps.104.20

You send the darkness, and it becomes night, when all the forest animals prowl about.

Ps.104.21

The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.

Ps.104.21

The young lions roar for their prey, clamoring to God for their supper.

Ps.104.21

The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God.

Ps.104.21

The young lions roar after their prey, And seek their food from God.

Ps.104.21

Then the young lions roar for their food, but they are dependent on God.

Ps.104.22

The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.

Ps.104.22

When the sun comes up, they vanish, lazily stretched out in their dens.

Ps.104.22

The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens.

Ps.104.22

When the sun rises, they gather together And lie down in their dens.

Ps.104.22

At dawn they slink back into their dens to rest.

Ps.104.23

Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.

Ps.104.23

Meanwhile, men and women go out to work, busy at their jobs until evening.

Ps.104.23

Then man goes out to his work, to his labor until evening.

Ps.104.23

Man goes out to his work And to his labor until the evening.

Ps.104.23

Then people go off to their work; they labor until the evening shadows fall again.

Ps.104.24

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Ps.104.24

What a wildly wonderful world, GOD! You made it all, with Wisdom at your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.

Ps.104.24

How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

Ps.104.24

O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions--

Ps.104.24

O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.

Ps.104.25

So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

Ps.104.25

Oh, look--the deep, wide sea, brimming with fish past counting, sardines and sharks and salmon.

Ps.104.25

There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number- living things both large and small.

Ps.104.25

This great and wide sea, In which are innumerable teeming things, Living things both small and great.

Ps.104.25

Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both great and small.

Ps.104.26

There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.

Ps.104.26

Ships plow those waters, and Leviathan, your pet dragon, romps in them.

Ps.104.26

There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

Ps.104.26

There the ships sail about; There is that Leviathan Which You have made to play there.

Ps.104.26

See the ships sailing along, and Leviathan, which you made to play in the sea.

Ps.104.27

These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.

Ps.104.27

All the creatures look expectantly to you to give them their meals on time.

Ps.104.27

These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time.

Ps.104.27

These all wait for You, That You may give them their food in due season.

Ps.104.27

Every one of these depends on you to give them their food as they need it.

Ps.104.28

That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.

Ps.104.28

You come, and they gather around; you open your hand and they eat from it.

Ps.104.28

When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.

Ps.104.28

What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good.

Ps.104.28

When you supply it, they gather it. You open your hand to feed them, and they are satisfied.

Ps.104.29

Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

Ps.104.29

If you turned your back, they'd die in a minute--Take back your Spirit and they die, revert to original mud;

Ps.104.29

When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust.

Ps.104.29

You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.

Ps.104.29

But if you turn away from them, they panic. When you take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust.

Ps.104.30

Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

Ps.104.30

Send out your Spirit and they spring to life--the whole countryside in bloom and blossom.

Ps.104.30

When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.

Ps.104.30

You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth.

Ps.104.30

When you send your Spirit, new life is born to replenish all the living of the earth.