Ezek.19.1

Sing the blues over the princes of Israel.

Ezek.19.1

"Take up a lament concerning the princes of Israel

Ezek.19.1

"Moreover take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

Ezek.19.1

"Sing this funeral song for the princes of Israel:

Ezek.19.2

Say: What a lioness was your mother among lions! She crouched in a pride of young lions. Her cubs grew large.

Ezek.19.2

and say: "'What a lioness was your mother among the lions! She lay down among the young lions and reared her cubs.

Ezek.19.2

and say: "What is your mother? A lioness: She lay down among the lions; Among the young lions she nourished her cubs.

Ezek.19.2

`What is your mother? A lioness among lions! She lay down among the young lions and reared her cubs.

Ezek.19.3

She reared one of her cubs to maturity, a robust young lion. He learned to hunt. He ate men.

Ezek.19.3

She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a strong lion. He learned to tear the prey and he devoured men.

Ezek.19.3

She brought up one of her cubs, And he became a young lion; He learned to catch prey, And he devoured men.

Ezek.19.3

She raised one of her cubs to become a strong young lion. He learned to catch and devour prey, and he became a man-eater.

Ezek.19.4

Nations sounded the alarm. He was caught in a trap. They took him with hooks and dragged him to Egypt.

Ezek.19.4

The nations heard about him, and he was trapped in their pit. They led him with hooks to the land of Egypt.

Ezek.19.4

The nations also heard of him; He was trapped in their pit, And they brought him with chains to the land of Egypt.

Ezek.19.4

Then the nations heard about him, and he was trapped in their pit. They led him away in chains to the land of Egypt.

Ezek.19.5

When the lioness saw she was luckless, that her hope for that cub was gone, She took her other cub and made him a strong young lion.

Ezek.19.5

"'When she saw her hope unfulfilled, her expectation gone, she took another of her cubs and made him a strong lion.

Ezek.19.5

"When she saw that she waited, that her hope was lost, She took another of her cubs and made him a young lion.

Ezek.19.5

`When the mother lion saw that all her hopes for him were gone, she took another of her cubs and taught him to be a strong lion.

Ezek.19.6

He prowled with the lions, a robust young lion. He learned to hunt. He ate men.

Ezek.19.6

He prowled among the lions, for he was now a strong lion. He learned to tear the prey and he devoured men.

Ezek.19.6

He roved among the lions, And became a young lion; He learned to catch prey; He devoured men.

Ezek.19.6

He prowled among the other lions and became a leader among them. He learned to catch and devour prey, and he, too, became a man-eater.

Ezek.19.7

He rampaged through their defenses, left their cities in ruins. The country and everyone in it was terrorized by the roars of the lion.

Ezek.19.7

He broke down their strongholds and devastated their towns. The land and all who were in it were terrified by his roaring.

Ezek.19.7

He knew their desolate places, And laid waste their cities; The land with its fullness was desolated By the noise of his roaring.

Ezek.19.7

He demolished fortresses in nearby nations and destroyed their towns and cities. Their farms were desolated, and their crops were destroyed. Everyone in the land trembled in fear when they heard him roar.

Ezek.19.8

The nations got together to hunt him. Everyone joined the hunt. They set out their traps and caught him.

Ezek.19.8

Then the nations came against him, those from regions round about. They spread their net for him, and he was trapped in their pit.

Ezek.19.8

Then the nations set against him from the provinces on every side, And spread their net over him; He was trapped in their pit.

Ezek.19.8

Then the armies of the nations attacked him, surrounding him from every direction. They spread out their nets for him and captured him in their pit.

Ezek.19.9

They put a wooden collar on him and took him to the king of Babylon. No more would that voice be heard disturbing the peace in the mountains of Israel!

Ezek.19.9

With hooks they pulled him into a cage and brought him to the king of Babylon. They put him in prison, so his roar was heard no longer on the mountains of Israel.

Ezek.19.9

They put him in a cage with chains, And brought him to the king of Babylon; They brought him in nets, That his voice should no longer be heard on the mountains of Israel.

Ezek.19.9

With hooks, they dragged him into a cage and brought him before the king of Babylon. They held him in captivity, so his voice could never again be heard on the mountains of Israel.

Ezek.19.10

Here's another way to put it: Your mother was like a vine in a vineyard, transplanted alongside streams of water, Luxurious in branches and grapes because of the ample water.

Ezek.19.10

"'Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of abundant water.

Ezek.19.10

"Your mother was like a vine in your bloodline, Planted by the waters, Fruitful and full of branches Because of many waters.

Ezek.19.10

`Your mother was like a vine planted by the water's edge. It had lush, green foliage because of the abundant water.

Ezek.19.11

It grew sturdy branches fit to be carved into a royal scepter. It grew high, reaching into the clouds. Its branches filled the horizon, and everyone could see it.

Ezek.19.11

Its branches were strong, fit for a ruler's scepter. It towered high above the thick foliage, conspicuous for its height and for its many branches.

Ezek.19.11

She had strong branches for scepters of rulers. She towered in stature above the thick branches, And was seen in her height amid the dense foliage.

Ezek.19.11

Its branches became very strong, strong enough to be a ruler's scepter. It soon became very tall, towering above all the others. It stood out because of its height and because of its many lush branches.

Ezek.19.12

Then it was ripped up in a rage and thrown to the ground. The hot east wind shriveled it up and stripped its fruit. The sturdy branches dried out, fit for nothing but kindling.

Ezek.19.12

But it was uprooted in fury and thrown to the ground. The east wind made it shrivel, it was stripped of its fruit; its strong branches withered and fire consumed them.

Ezek.19.12

But she was plucked up in fury, She was cast down to the ground, And the east wind dried her fruit. Her strong branches were broken and withered; The fire consumed them.

Ezek.19.12

But the vine was uprooted in fury and thrown down to the ground. The desert wind dried up its fruit and tore off its branches. Its stem was destroyed by fire.

Ezek.19.13

Now it's a stick stuck out in the desert, a bare stick in a desert of death,

Ezek.19.13

Now it is planted in the desert, in a dry and thirsty land.

Ezek.19.13

And now she is planted in the wilderness, In a dry and thirsty land.

Ezek.19.13

Now the vine is growing in the wilderness, where the ground is hard and dry.

Ezek.19.14

Good for nothing but making fires, campfires in the desert. Not a hint now of those sturdy branches fit for use as a royal scepter! (This is a sad song, a text for singing the blues.)

Ezek.19.14

Fire spread from one of its main branches and consumed its fruit. No strong branch is left on it fit for a ruler's scepter.' This is a lament and is to be used as a lament."

Ezek.19.14

Fire has come out from a rod of her branches And devoured her fruit, So that she has no strong branch-- a scepter for ruling."' This is a lamentation, and has become a lamentation.

Ezek.19.14

A fire has come from its branches and devoured its fruit. None of the remaining limbs is strong enough to be a ruler's scepter.' This is a funeral song, and it is now time for the funeral."

Ezek.20.1

In the seventh year, the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month, some of the leaders of Israel came to ask for guidance from GOD. They sat down before me.

Ezek.20.1

In the seventh year, in the fifth month on the tenth day, some of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD, and they sat down in front of me.

Ezek.20.1

It came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD, and sat before me.

Ezek.20.1

On August 14, during the seventh year of King Jehoiachin's captivity, some of the leaders of Israel came to request a message from the LORD. They sat down in front of me to wait for his reply.

Ezek.20.2

Then GOD's Message came to me:

Ezek.20.2

Then the word of the LORD came to me:

Ezek.20.2

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Ezek.20.2

Then this message came to me from the LORD:

Ezek.20.3

"Son of man, talk with the leaders of Israel. Tell them, "GOD, the Master, says, "Have you come to ask me questions? As sure as I am the living God, I'll not put up with questions from you. Decree of GOD, the Master."'

Ezek.20.3

"Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Have you come to inquire of me? As surely as I live, I will not let you inquire of me, declares the Sovereign LORD.'

Ezek.20.3

"Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, "Thus says the Lord GOD: "Have you come to inquire of Me? As I live," says the Lord GOD, "I will not be inquired of by you."'

Ezek.20.3

"Son of man, give the leaders of Israel this message from the Sovereign LORD: How dare you come to ask for my help? As surely as I live, I will tell you nothing. This is the word of the Sovereign LORD!

Ezek.20.4

"Son of man, why don't you do it? Yes, go ahead. Hold them accountable. Confront them with the outrageous obscenities of their parents.

Ezek.20.4

"Will you judge them? Will you judge them, son of man? Then confront them with the detestable practices of their fathers

Ezek.20.4

Will you judge them, son of man, will you judge them? Then make known to them the abominations of their fathers.

Ezek.20.4

"Son of man, bring judgment against them and condemn them. Make them realize how loathsome the actions of their ancestors really were.

Ezek.20.5

Tell them that GOD, the Master, says: On the day I chose Israel, I revealed myself to them in the country of Egypt, raising my hand in a solemn oath to the people of Jacob, in which I said, "I am GOD, your personal God."

Ezek.20.5

and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: On the day I chose Israel, I swore with uplifted hand to the descendants of the house of Jacob and revealed myself to them in Egypt. With uplifted hand I said to them, "I am the LORD your God."

Ezek.20.5

"Say to them, "Thus says the Lord GOD: "On the day when I chose Israel and raised My hand in an oath to the descendants of the house of Jacob, and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt, I raised My hand in an oath to them, saying, "I am the LORD your God.'

Ezek.20.5

Give them this message from the Sovereign LORD: When I chose Israel and revealed myself to her in Egypt, I swore that I, the LORD, would be her God.

Ezek.20.6

On the same day that I raised my hand in the solemn oath, I promised them that I would take them out of the country of Egypt and bring them into a country that I had searched out just for them, a country flowing with milk and honey, a jewel of a country.

Ezek.20.6

On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of Egypt into a land I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of all lands.

Ezek.20.6

On that day I raised My hand in an oath to them, to bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, "flowing with milk and honey,' the glory of all lands.

Ezek.20.6

I promised that I would bring her and her descendants out of Egypt to a land I had discovered and explored for them--a good land, a land flowing with milk and honey, the best of all lands anywhere.

Ezek.20.7

At that time I told them, "Get rid of all the vile things that you've become addicted to. Don't make yourselves filthy with the Egyptian no-god idols. I alone am GOD, your God."

Ezek.20.7

And I said to them, "Each of you, get rid of the vile images you have set your eyes on, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God."

Ezek.20.7

Then I said to them, "Each of you, throw away the abominations which are before his eyes, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.'

Ezek.20.7

Then I said to them, `Each of you, get rid of your idols. Do not defile yourselves with the Egyptian gods, for I am the LORD your God.'

Ezek.20.8

But they rebelled against me, wouldn't listen to a word I said. None got rid of the vile things they were addicted to. They held on to the no-gods of Egypt as if for dear life. I seriously considered inflicting my anger on them in force right there in Egypt.

Ezek.20.8

"'But they rebelled against me and would not listen to me; they did not get rid of the vile images they had set their eyes on, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and spend my anger against them in Egypt.

Ezek.20.8

But they rebelled against Me and would not obey Me. They did not all cast away the abominations which were before their eyes, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. Then I said, "I will pour out My fury on them and fulfill My anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.'

Ezek.20.8

"But they rebelled against me and would not listen. They did not get rid of their idols or forsake the gods of Egypt. Then I threatened to pour out my fury on them to satisfy my anger while they were still in Egypt.

Ezek.20.9

Then I thought better of it. I acted out of who I was, not by how I felt. And I acted in a way that would evoke honor, not blasphemy, from the nations around them, nations who had seen me reveal myself by promising to lead my people out of Egypt.

Ezek.20.9

But for the sake of my name I did what would keep it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations they lived among and in whose sight I had revealed myself to the Israelites by bringing them out of Egypt.

Ezek.20.9

But I acted for My name's sake, that it should not be profaned before the Gentiles among whom they were, in whose sight I had made Myself known to them, to bring them out of the land of Egypt.

Ezek.20.9

But I didn't do it, for I acted to protect the honor of my name. That way the surrounding nations wouldn't be able to laugh at Israel's God, who had promised to deliver his people.

Ezek.20.10

And then I did it: I led them out of Egypt into the desert.

Ezek.20.10

Therefore I led them out of Egypt and brought them into the desert.

Ezek.20.10

"Therefore I made them go out of the land of Egypt and brought them into the wilderness.

Ezek.20.10

So I brought my people out of Egypt and led them into the wilderness.

Ezek.20.11

I gave them laws for living, showed them how to live well and obediently before me.

Ezek.20.11

I gave them my decrees and made known to them my laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them.

Ezek.20.11

And I gave them My statutes and showed them My judgments, "which, if a man does, he shall live by them.'

Ezek.20.11

There I gave them my laws so they could live by keeping them. Yes, all those who keep them will live!

Ezek.20.12

I also gave them my weekly holy rest days, my "Sabbaths," a kind of signpost erected between me and them to show them that I, GOD, am in the business of making them holy.

Ezek.20.12

Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the LORD made them holy.

Ezek.20.12

Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them.

Ezek.20.12

And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I, the LORD, had set them apart to be holy, making them my special people.

Ezek.20.13

But Israel rebelled against me in the desert. They didn't follow my statutes. They despised my laws for living well and obediently in the ways I had set out. And they totally desecrated my holy Sabbaths. I seriously considered unleashing my anger on them right there in the desert.

Ezek.20.13

"'Yet the people of Israel rebelled against me in the desert. They did not follow my decrees but rejected my laws-although the man who obeys them will live by them-and they utterly desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and destroy them in the desert.

Ezek.20.13

Yet the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness; they did not walk in My statutes; they despised My judgments, "which, if a man does, he shall live by them'; and they greatly defiled My Sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out My fury on them in the wilderness, to consume them.

Ezek.20.13

"But the people of Israel rebelled against me, and they refused to obey my laws there in the wilderness. They wouldn't obey my instructions even though obedience would have given them life. And they also violated my Sabbath days. So I threatened to pour out my fury on them, and I made plans to utterly consume them in the desert.

Ezek.20.14

But I thought better of it and acted out of who I was, not by what I felt, so that I might be honored and not blasphemed by the nations who had seen me bring them out.

Ezek.20.14

But for the sake of my name I did what would keep it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.

Ezek.20.14

But I acted for My name's sake, that it should not be profaned before the Gentiles, in whose sight I had brought them out.

Ezek.20.14

But again I held back in order to protect the honor of my name. That way the nations who saw me lead my people out of Egypt wouldn't be able to claim I destroyed them because I couldn't take care of them.

Ezek.20.15

But I did lift my hand in a solemn oath there in the desert and promise them that I would not bring them into the country flowing with milk and honey that I had chosen for them, that jewel among all lands.

Ezek.20.15

Also with uplifted hand I swore to them in the desert that I would not bring them into the land I had given them-a land flowing with milk and honey, most beautiful of all lands-

Ezek.20.15

So I also raised My hand in an oath to them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, "flowing with milk and honey,' the glory of all lands,

Ezek.20.15

But I swore to them in the wilderness that I would not bring them into the land I had given them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful place on earth.

Ezek.20.16

I canceled my promise because they despised my laws for living obediently, wouldn't follow my statutes, and went ahead and desecrated my holy Sabbaths. They preferred living by their no-god idols.

Ezek.20.16

because they rejected my laws and did not follow my decrees and desecrated my Sabbaths. For their hearts were devoted to their idols.

Ezek.20.16

because they despised My judgments and did not walk in My statutes, but profaned My Sabbaths; for their heart went after their idols.

Ezek.20.16

I told them this because they had rejected my laws, ignored my will for them, and violated my Sabbath days. Their hearts were given to their idols.

Ezek.20.17

But I didn't go all the way: I didn't wipe them out, didn't finish them off in the desert.

Ezek.20.17

Yet I looked on them with pity and did not destroy them or put an end to them in the desert.

Ezek.20.17

Nevertheless My eye spared them from destruction. I did not make an end of them in the wilderness.

Ezek.20.17

Nevertheless, I pitied them and held back from destroying them in the wilderness.

Ezek.20.18

Then I addressed myself to their children in the desert: "Don't do what your parents did. Don't take up their practices. Don't make yourselves filthy with their no-god idols.

Ezek.20.18

I said to their children in the desert, "Do not follow the statutes of your fathers or keep their laws or defile yourselves with their idols.

Ezek.20.18

"But I said to their children in the wilderness, "Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers, nor observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols.

Ezek.20.18

"Then I warned their children and told them not to follow in their parents' footsteps, defiling themselves with their idols.

Ezek.20.19

I myself am GOD, your God: Keep my statutes and live by my laws.

Ezek.20.19

I am the LORD your God; follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

Ezek.20.19

I am the LORD your God: Walk in My statutes, keep My judgments, and do them;

Ezek.20.19

`I am the LORD your God,' I told them. `Follow my laws, pay attention to my instructions,

Ezek.20.20

Keep my Sabbaths as holy rest days, signposts between me and you, signaling that I am GOD, your God."

Ezek.20.20

Keep my Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God."

Ezek.20.20

hallow My Sabbaths, and they will be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the LORD your God.'

Ezek.20.20

and keep my Sabbath days holy, for they are a sign to remind you that I am the LORD your God.'

Ezek.20.21

But the children also rebelled against me. They neither followed my statutes nor kept my laws for living upright and well. And they desecrated my Sabbaths. I seriously considered dumping my anger on them, right there in the desert.

Ezek.20.21

"'But the children rebelled against me: They did not follow my decrees, they were not careful to keep my laws-although the man who obeys them will live by them-and they desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and spend my anger against them in the desert.

Ezek.20.21

"Notwithstanding, the children rebelled against Me; they did not walk in My statutes, and were not careful to observe My judgments, "which, if a man does, he shall live by them'; but they profaned My Sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out My fury on them and fulfill My anger against them in the wilderness.

Ezek.20.21

"But their children, too, rebelled against me. They refused to keep my laws and follow my instructions, even though obeying them would have given them life. And they also violated my Sabbath days. So again I threatened to pour out my fury on them in the wilderness.

Ezek.20.22

But I thought better of it and acted out of who I was, not by what I felt, so that I might be honored and not blasphemed by the nations who had seen me bring them out.

Ezek.20.22

But I withheld my hand, and for the sake of my name I did what would keep it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out.

Ezek.20.22

Nevertheless I withdrew My hand and acted for My name's sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the Gentiles, in whose sight I had brought them out.

Ezek.20.22

Nevertheless, I withdrew my judgment against them to protect the honor of my name among the nations who had seen my power in bringing them out of Egypt.

Ezek.20.23

But I did lift my hand in solemn oath there in the desert, and swore that I would scatter them all over the world, disperse them every which way

Ezek.20.23

Also with uplifted hand I swore to them in the desert that I would disperse them among the nations and scatter them through the countries,

Ezek.20.23

Also I raised My hand in an oath to those in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the Gentiles and disperse them throughout the countries,

Ezek.20.23

But I took a solemn oath against them while they were in the wilderness. I vowed I would scatter them among all the nations

Ezek.20.24

because they didn't keep my laws nor live by my statutes. They desecrated my Sabbaths and remained addicted to the no-god idols of their parents.

Ezek.20.24

because they had not obeyed my laws but had rejected my decrees and desecrated my Sabbaths, and their eyes lusted after their fathers' idols.

Ezek.20.24

because they had not executed My judgments, but had despised My statutes, profaned My Sabbaths, and their eyes were fixed on their fathers' idols.

Ezek.20.24

because they did not obey my laws. They scorned my instructions by violating my Sabbath days and longing for the idols of their ancestors.

Ezek.20.25

Since they were determined to live bad lives, I myself gave them statutes that could not produce goodness and laws that did not produce life.

Ezek.20.25

I also gave them over to statutes that were not good and laws they could not live by;

Ezek.20.25

"Therefore I also gave them up to statutes that were not good, and judgments by which they could not live;

Ezek.20.25

I gave them over to worthless customs and laws that would not lead to life.

Ezek.20.26

I abandoned them. Filthy in the gutter, they perversely sacrificed their firstborn children in the fire. The very horror should have shocked them into recognizing that I am GOD.'

Ezek.20.26

I let them become defiled through their gifts-the sacrifice of every firstborn -that I might fill them with horror so they would know that I am the LORD.'

Ezek.20.26

and I pronounced them unclean because of their ritual gifts, in that they caused all their firstborn to pass through the fire, that I might make them desolate and that they might know that I am the LORD."'

Ezek.20.26

I let them pollute themselves with the very gifts I had given them, and I allowed them to give their firstborn children as offerings to their gods--so I might devastate them and show them that I alone am the LORD.

Ezek.20.27

"Therefore, speak to Israel, son of man. Tell them that GOD says, "As if that wasn't enough, your parents further insulted me by betraying me.

Ezek.20.27

"Therefore, son of man, speak to the people of Israel and say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: In this also your fathers blasphemed me by forsaking me:

Ezek.20.27

"Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel, and say to them, "Thus says the Lord GOD: "In this too your fathers have blasphemed Me, by being unfaithful to Me.

Ezek.20.27

"Therefore, son of man, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign LORD: Your ancestors continued to blaspheme and betray me,

Ezek.20.28

When I brought them into that land that I had solemnly promised with my upraised hand to give them, every time they saw a hill with a sex-and-religion shrine on it or a grove of trees where the sacred whores practiced, they were there, buying into the whole pagan system.

Ezek.20.28

When I brought them into the land I had sworn to give them and they saw any high hill or any leafy tree, there they offered their sacrifices, made offerings that provoked me to anger, presented their fragrant incense and poured out their drink offerings.

Ezek.20.28

When I brought them into the land concerning which I had raised My hand in an oath to give them, and they saw all the high hills and all the thick trees, there they offered their sacrifices and provoked Me with their offerings. There they also sent up their sweet aroma and poured out their drink offerings.

Ezek.20.28

for when I brought them into the land I had promised them, they offered sacrifices and incense on every high hill and under every green tree they saw! They roused my fury as they offered up sacrifices to their gods. They brought their perfumes and incense and poured out their drink offerings to them!

Ezek.20.29

I said to them, "What hill do you go to?"' (It's still called "Whore Hills.")

Ezek.20.29

Then I said to them: What is this high place you go to?'" (It is called Bamah to this day.)

Ezek.20.29

Then I said to them, "What is this high place to which you go?' So its name is called Bamah to this day."'

Ezek.20.29

I said to them, `What is this high place where you are going?' (This idol shrine has been called Bamah--`high place'--ever since.)

Ezek.20.30

"Therefore, say to Israel, "The Message of GOD, the Master: You're making your lives filthy by copying the ways of your parents. In repeating their vile practices, you've become whores yourselves.

Ezek.20.30

"Therefore say to the house of Israel: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Will you defile yourselves the way your fathers did and lust after their vile images?

Ezek.20.30

Therefore say to the house of Israel, "Thus says the Lord GOD: "Are you defiling yourselves in the manner of your fathers, and committing harlotry according to their abominations?

Ezek.20.30

"Therefore, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign LORD: Do you plan to pollute yourselves just as your ancestors did? Do you intend to keep prostituting yourselves by worshiping detestable idols?

Ezek.20.31

In burning your children as sacrifices, you've become as filthy as your no-god idols--as recently as today! Am I going to put up with questions from people like you, Israel? As sure as I am the living God, I, GOD, the Master, refuse to be called into question by you!

Ezek.20.31

When you offer your gifts-the sacrifice of your sons in the fire-you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. Am I to let you inquire of me, O house of Israel? As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I will not let you inquire of me.

Ezek.20.31

For when you offer your gifts and make your sons pass through the fire, you defile yourselves with all your idols, even to this day. So shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live," says the Lord GOD, "I will not be inquired of by you.

Ezek.20.31

For when you offer gifts to them and give your little children to be burned as sacrifices, you continue to pollute yourselves to this day. Should I listen to you or help you, O people of Israel? As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I will not give you a message even though you have come to me requesting one.

Ezek.20.32

What you're secretly thinking is never going to happen. You're thinking, "We're going to be like everybody else, just like the other nations. We're going to worship gods we can make and control."

Ezek.20.32

"'You say, "We want to be like the nations, like the peoples of the world, who serve wood and stone." But what you have in mind will never happen.

Ezek.20.32

What you have in your mind shall never be, when you say, "We will be like the Gentiles, like the families in other countries, serving wood and stone.'

Ezek.20.32

"You say, `We want to be like the nations all around us, who serve idols of wood and stone.' But what you have in mind will never happen.

Ezek.20.33

As sure as I am the living God, says GOD, the Master, think again! With a mighty show of strength and a terrifying rush of anger, I will be King over you!

Ezek.20.33

As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I will rule over you with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with outpoured wrath.

Ezek.20.33

"As I live," says the Lord GOD, "surely with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out, I will rule over you.

Ezek.20.33

As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I will rule you with an iron fist in great anger and with awesome power.

Ezek.20.34

I'll bring you back from the nations, collect you out of the countries to which you've been scattered, with a mighty show of strength and a terrifying rush of anger.

Ezek.20.34

I will bring you from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered-with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with outpoured wrath.

Ezek.20.34

I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you are scattered, with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out.

Ezek.20.34

With might and fury I will bring you out from the lands where you are scattered.

Ezek.20.35

I'll bring you to the desert of nations and haul you into court, where you'll be face to face with judgment.

Ezek.20.35

I will bring you into the desert of the nations and there, face to face, I will execute judgment upon you.

Ezek.20.35

And I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will plead My case with you face to face.

Ezek.20.35

I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations, and there I will judge you face to face.

Ezek.20.36

As I faced your parents with judgment in the desert of Egypt, so I'll face you with judgment.

Ezek.20.36

As I judged your fathers in the desert of the land of Egypt, so I will judge you, declares the Sovereign LORD.

Ezek.20.36

Just as I pleaded My case with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will plead My case with you," says the Lord GOD.

Ezek.20.36

I will judge you there just as I did your ancestors in the wilderness after bringing them out of Egypt, says the Sovereign LORD.

Ezek.20.37

I'll scrutinize and search every person as you arrive, and I'll bring you under the bond of the covenant.

Ezek.20.37

I will take note of you as you pass under my rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.

Ezek.20.37

"I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant;

Ezek.20.37

I will count you carefully and hold you to the terms of the covenant.

Ezek.20.38

I'll cull out the rebels and traitors. I'll lead them out of their exile, but I won't bring them back to Israel. Then you'll realize that I am GOD.

Ezek.20.38

I will purge you of those who revolt and rebel against me. Although I will bring them out of the land where they are living, yet they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

Ezek.20.38

I will purge the rebels from among you, and those who transgress against Me; I will bring them out of the country where they dwell, but they shall not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

Ezek.20.38

I will purge you of all those who rebel and sin against me. I will bring them out of the countries where they are in exile, but they will never enter the land of Israel. And when that happens, you will know that I am the LORD.

Ezek.20.39

But you, people of Israel, this is the Message of GOD, the Master, to you: Go ahead, serve your no-god idols! But later, you'll think better of it and quit throwing filth and mud on me with your pagan offerings and no-god idols.

Ezek.20.39

"'As for you, O house of Israel, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you! But afterward you will surely listen to me and no longer profane my holy name with your gifts and idols.

Ezek.20.39

"As for you, O house of Israel," thus says the Lord GOD: "Go, serve every one of you his idols--and hereafter--if you will not obey Me; but profane My holy name no more with your gifts and your idols.

Ezek.20.39

"As for you, O people of Israel, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: If you insist, go right ahead and worship your idols, but then don't turn around and bring gifts to me. Such desecration of my holy name must stop!

Ezek.20.40

For on my holy mountain, the high mountain of Israel, I, GOD, the Master, tell you that the entire people of Israel will worship me. I'll receive them there with open arms. I'll demand your best gifts and offerings, all your holy sacrifices.

Ezek.20.40

For on my holy mountain, the high mountain of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD, there in the land the entire house of Israel will serve me, and there I will accept them. There I will require your offerings and your choice gifts, along with all your holy sacrifices.

Ezek.20.40

For on My holy mountain, on the mountain height of Israel," says the Lord GOD, "there all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, shall serve Me; there I will accept them, and there I will require your offerings and the firstfruits of your sacrifices, together with all your holy things.

Ezek.20.40

For on my holy mountain, says the Sovereign LORD, the people of Israel will someday worship me, and I will accept them. There I will require that you bring me all your offerings and choice gifts and sacrifices.

Ezek.20.41

What's more, I'll receive you as the best kind of offerings when I bring you back from all the lands and countries in which you've been scattered. I'll demonstrate in the eyes of the world that I am The Holy.

Ezek.20.41

I will accept you as fragrant incense when I bring you out from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will show myself holy among you in the sight of the nations.

Ezek.20.41

I will accept you as a sweet aroma when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you have been scattered; and I will be hallowed in you before the Gentiles.

Ezek.20.41

When I bring you home from exile, you will be as pleasing to me as an offering of perfumed incense. And I will display my holiness in you as all the nations watch.

Ezek.20.42

When I return you to the land of Israel, the land that I solemnly promised with upraised arm to give to your parents, you'll realize that I am GOD.

Ezek.20.42

Then you will know that I am the LORD, when I bring you into the land of Israel, the land I had sworn with uplifted hand to give to your fathers.

Ezek.20.42

Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for which I raised My hand in an oath to give to your fathers.

Ezek.20.42

Then when I have brought you home to the land I promised your ancestors, you will know that I am the LORD.

Ezek.20.43

Then and there you'll remember all that you've done, the way you've lived that has made you so filthy--and you'll loathe yourselves.

Ezek.20.43

There you will remember your conduct and all the actions by which you have defiled yourselves, and you will loathe yourselves for all the evil you have done.

Ezek.20.43

And there you shall remember your ways and all your doings with which you were defiled; and you shall loathe yourselves in your own sight because of all the evils that you have committed.

Ezek.20.43

You will look back at all your sins and hate yourselves because of the evil you have done.

Ezek.20.44

But, dear Israel, you'll also realize that I am GOD when I respond to you out of who I am, not by what I feel about the evil lives you've lived, the corrupt history you've compiled. Decree of GOD, the Master.'"

Ezek.20.44

You will know that I am the LORD, when I deal with you for my name's sake and not according to your evil ways and your corrupt practices, O house of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD.'"

Ezek.20.44

Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have dealt with you for My name's sake, not according to your wicked ways nor according to your corrupt doings, O house of Israel," says the Lord GOD."'

Ezek.20.44

You will know that I am the LORD, O people of Israel, when I have honored my name by treating you mercifully in spite of your wickedness, says the Sovereign LORD."

Heb.10.1

The old plan was only a hint of the good things in the new plan. Since that old "law plan" wasn't complete in itself, it couldn't complete those who followed it. No matter how many sacrifices were offered year after year, they never added up to a complete solution.

Heb.10.1

The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.

Heb.10.1

For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.

Heb.10.1

The old system in the law of Moses was only a shadow of the things to come, not the reality of the good things Christ has done for us. The sacrifices under the old system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship.

Heb.10.2

If they had, the worshipers would have gone merrily on their way, no longer dragged down by their sins.

Heb.10.2

If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins.

Heb.10.2

For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins.

Heb.10.2

If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared.

Heb.10.3

But instead of removing awareness of sin, when those animal sacrifices were repeated over and over they actually heightened awareness and guilt.

Heb.10.3

But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins,

Heb.10.3

But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.

Heb.10.3

But just the opposite happened. Those yearly sacrifices reminded them of their sins year after year.

Heb.10.4

The plain fact is that bull and goat blood can't get rid of sin.

Heb.10.4

because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Heb.10.4

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

Heb.10.4

For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Heb.10.5

That is what is meant by this prophecy, put in the mouth of Christ: You don't want sacrifices and offerings year after year; you've prepared a body for me for a sacrifice.

Heb.10.5

Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me;

Heb.10.5

Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me.

Heb.10.5

That is why Christ, when he came into the world, said, "You did not want animal sacrifices and grain offerings. But you have given me a body so that I may obey you.

Heb.10.6

It's not fragrance and smoke from the altar that whet your appetite.

Heb.10.6

with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.

Heb.10.6

In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure.

Heb.10.6

No, you were not pleased with animals burned on the altar or with other offerings for sin.

Heb.10.7

So I said, "I'm here to do it your way, O God, the way it's described in your Book."

Heb.10.7

Then I said, 'Here I am--it is written about me in the scroll--I have come to do your will, O God.'"

Heb.10.7

Then I said, "Behold, I have come-- In the volume of the book it is written of Me-- To do Your will, O God."'

Heb.10.7

Then I said, 'Look, I have come to do your will, O God--just as it is written about me in the Scriptures.'"

Heb.10.8

When he said, "You don't want sacrifices and offerings," he was referring to practices according to the old plan.

Heb.10.8

First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made).

Heb.10.8

Previously saying, "Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them" (which are offered according to the law),

Heb.10.8

Christ said, "You did not want animal sacrifices or grain offerings or animals burned on the altar or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them" (though they are required by the law of Moses).

Heb.10.9

When he added, "I'm here to do it your way," he set aside the first in order to enact the new plan--

Heb.10.9

Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second.

Heb.10.9

then He said, "Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God." He takes away the first that He may establish the second.

Heb.10.9

Then he added, "Look, I have come to do your will." He cancels the first covenant in order to establish the second.

Heb.10.10

God's way--by which we are made fit for God by the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus.

Heb.10.10

And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Heb.10.10

By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Heb.10.10

And what God wants is for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.

Heb.10.11

Every priest goes to work at the altar each day, offers the same old sacrifices year in, year out, and never makes a dent in the sin problem.

Heb.10.11

Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.

Heb.10.11

And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.

Heb.10.11

Under the old covenant, the priest stands before the altar day after day, offering sacrifices that can never take away sins.

Heb.10.12

As a priest, Christ made a single sacrifice for sins, and that was it! Then he sat down right beside God

Heb.10.12

But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.

Heb.10.12

But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,

Heb.10.12

But our High Priest offered himself to God as one sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down at the place of highest honor at God's right hand.

Heb.10.13

and waited for his enemies to cave in.

Heb.10.13

Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool,

Heb.10.13

from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.

Heb.10.13

There he waits until his enemies are humbled as a footstool under his feet.

Heb.10.14

It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process.

Heb.10.14

because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Heb.10.14

For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

Heb.10.14

For by that one offering he perfected forever all those whom he is making holy.

Heb.10.15

The Holy Spirit confirms this:

Heb.10.15

The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:

Heb.10.15

But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before,

Heb.10.15

And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. First he says,

Heb.10.16

This new plan I'm making with Israel isn't going to be written on paper, isn't going to be chiseled in stone; This time "I'm writing out the plan in them, carving it on the lining of their hearts."

Heb.10.16

"This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds."

Heb.10.16

"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,"

Heb.10.16

"This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts so they will understand them, and I will write them on their minds so they will obey them."

Heb.10.17

He concludes, I'll forever wipe the slate clean of their sins.

Heb.10.17

Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."

Heb.10.17

then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."

Heb.10.17

Then he adds, "I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds."

Heb.10.18

Once sins are taken care of for good, there's no longer any need to offer sacrifices for them.

Heb.10.18

And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.

Heb.10.18

Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.

Heb.10.18

Now when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.

Ps.122.1

A pilgrim song of David. When they said, "Let's go to the house of GOD," my heart leaped for joy.

Ps.122.1

I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD."

Ps.122.1

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the LORD."

Ps.122.1

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD."

Ps.122.2

And now we're here, O Jerusalem, inside Jerusalem's walls!

Ps.122.2

Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.

Ps.122.2

Our feet have been standing Within your gates, O Jerusalem!

Ps.122.2

And now we are standing here inside your gates, O Jerusalem.

Ps.122.3

Jerusalem, well-built city, built as a place for worship!

Ps.122.3

Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.

Ps.122.3

Jerusalem is built As a city that is compact together,

Ps.122.3

Jerusalem is a well-built city, knit together as a single unit.

Ps.122.4

The city to which the tribes ascend, all GOD's tribes go up to worship, To give thanks to the name of GOD- this is what it means to be Israel.

Ps.122.4

That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel.

Ps.122.4

Where the tribes go up, The tribes of the LORD, To the Testimony of Israel, To give thanks to the name of the LORD.

Ps.122.4

All the people of Israel--the LORD's people--make their pilgrimage here. They come to give thanks to the name of the LORD as the law requires.

Ps.122.5

Thrones for righteous judgment are set there, famous David-thrones.

Ps.122.5

There the thrones for judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David.

Ps.122.5

For thrones are set there for judgment, The thrones of the house of David.

Ps.122.5

Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David.

Ps.122.6

Pray for Jerusalem's peace! Prosperity to all you Jerusalem-lovers!

Ps.122.6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure.

Ps.122.6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.

Ps.122.6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.

Ps.122.7

Friendly insiders, get along! Hostile outsiders, keep your distance!

Ps.122.7

May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels."

Ps.122.7

Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces."

Ps.122.7

O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces.

Ps.122.8

For the sake of my family and friends, I say it again: live in peace!

Ps.122.8

For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you."

Ps.122.8

For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, "Peace be within you."

Ps.122.8

For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "Peace be with you."

Ps.122.9

For the sake of the house of our God, GOD, I'll do my very best for you.

Ps.122.9

For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.

Ps.122.9

Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek your good.

Ps.122.9

For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.