Ezek.33.21

In the twelfth year of our exile, on the fifth day of the tenth month, a survivor from Jerusalem came to me and said, "The city's fallen."

Ezek.33.21

In the twelfth year of our exile, in the tenth month on the fifth day, a man who had escaped from Jerusalem came to me and said, "The city has fallen!"

Ezek.33.21

And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, on the fifth day of the month, that one who had escaped from Jerusalem came to me and said, "The city has been captured!"

Ezek.33.21

On January 8, during the twelfth year of our captivity, a man who had escaped from Jerusalem came to me and said, "The city has fallen!"

Ezek.33.22

The evening before the survivor arrived, the hand of GOD had been on me and restored my speech. By the time he arrived in the morning I was able to speak. I could talk again.

Ezek.33.22

Now the evening before the man arrived, the hand of the LORD was upon me, and he opened my mouth before the man came to me in the morning. So my mouth was opened and I was no longer silent.

Ezek.33.22

Now the hand of the LORD had been upon me the evening before the man came who had escaped. And He had opened my mouth; so when he came to me in the morning, my mouth was opened, and I was no longer mute.

Ezek.33.22

The previous evening the LORD had taken hold of me and opened my mouth, so I would be able to speak when this man arrived the next morning.

Ezek.33.23

GOD's Message came to me:

Ezek.33.23

Then the word of the LORD came to me:

Ezek.33.23

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

Ezek.33.23

Then this message came to me from the LORD:

Ezek.33.24

"Son of man, those who are living in the ruins back in Israel are saying, "Abraham was only one man and he owned the whole country. But there are lots of us. Our ownership is even more certain.'

Ezek.33.24

"Son of man, the people living in those ruins in the land of Israel are saying, 'Abraham was only one man, yet he possessed the land. But we are many; surely the land has been given to us as our possession.'

Ezek.33.24

"Son of man, they who inhabit those ruins in the land of Israel are saying, "Abraham was only one, and he inherited the land. But we are many; the land has been given to us as a possession.'

Ezek.33.24

"Son of man, the scattered remnants of Judah living among the ruined cities keep saying, `Abraham was only one man, and yet he gained possession of the entire land! We are many; surely the land should be given to us as a possession.'

Ezek.33.25

"So tell them, "GOD the Master says, You eat flesh that contains blood, you worship no-god idols, you murder at will--and you expect to own this land?

Ezek.33.25

Therefore say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Since you eat meat with the blood still in it and look to your idols and shed blood, should you then possess the land?

Ezek.33.25

"Therefore say to them, "Thus says the Lord GOD: "You eat meat with blood, you lift up your eyes toward your idols, and shed blood. Should you then possess the land?

Ezek.33.25

Now give these people this message from the Sovereign LORD: You eat meat with blood in it, you worship idols, and you murder the innocent. Do you really think the land should be yours?

Ezek.33.26

You rely on the sword, you engage in obscenities, you indulge in sex at random--anyone, anytime. And you still expect to own this land?'

Ezek.33.26

You rely on your sword, you do detestable things, and each of you defiles his neighbor's wife. Should you then possess the land?'

Ezek.33.26

You rely on your sword, you commit abominations, and you defile one another's wives. Should you then possess the land?"'

Ezek.33.26

Murderers! Idolaters! Adulterers! Should the land belong to you?

Ezek.33.27

"Tell them this, Ezekiel: "The Message of GOD, the Master. As sure as I am the living God, those who are still alive in the ruins will be killed. Anyone out in the field I'll give to wild animals for food. Anyone hiding out in mountain forts and caves will die of disease.

Ezek.33.27

"Say this to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: As surely as I live, those who are left in the ruins will fall by the sword, those out in the country I will give to the wild animals to be devoured, and those in strongholds and caves will die of a plague.

Ezek.33.27

"Say thus to them, "Thus says the Lord GOD: "As I live, surely those who are in the ruins shall fall by the sword, and the one who is in the open field I will give to the beasts to be devoured, and those who are in the strongholds and caves shall die of the pestilence.

Ezek.33.27

"Give them this message from the Sovereign LORD: As surely as I live, those living in the ruins will die by the sword. Those living in the open fields will be eaten by wild animals. Those hiding in the forts and caves will die of disease.

Ezek.33.28

I'll make this country an empty wasteland--no more arrogant bullying! Israel's mountains will become dangerously desolate. No one will dare pass through them.'

Ezek.33.28

I will make the land a desolate waste, and her proud strength will come to an end, and the mountains of Israel will become desolate so that no one will cross them.

Ezek.33.28

For I will make the land most desolate, her arrogant strength shall cease, and the mountains of Israel shall be so desolate that no one will pass through.

Ezek.33.28

I will destroy the land and demolish her pride. Her arrogant power will come to an end. The mountains of Israel will be so ruined that no one will even travel through them.

Ezek.33.29

"They'll realize that I am GOD when I devastate the country because of all the obscenities they've practiced.

Ezek.33.29

Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I have made the land a desolate waste because of all the detestable things they have done.'

Ezek.33.29

Then they shall know that I am the LORD, when I have made the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed."'

Ezek.33.29

When I have ruined the land because of their disgusting sins, then they will know that I am the LORD.

Ezek.33.30

"As for you, son of man, you've become quite the talk of the town. Your people meet on street corners and in front of their houses and say, "Let's go hear the latest news from GOD.'

Ezek.33.30

"As for you, son of man, your countrymen are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, 'Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD.'

Ezek.33.30

"As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, "Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the LORD.'

Ezek.33.30

"Son of man, your people are whispering behind your back. They talk about you in their houses and whisper about you at the doors, saying, `Come on, let's have some fun! Let's go hear the prophet tell us what the LORD is saying!'

Ezek.33.31

They show up, as people tend to do, and sit in your company. They listen to you speak, but don't do a thing you say. They flatter you with compliments, but all they care about is making money and getting ahead.

Ezek.33.31

My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.

Ezek.33.31

So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.

Ezek.33.31

So they come pretending to be sincere and sit before you listening. But they have no intention of doing what I tell them. They express love with their mouths, but their hearts seek only after money.

Ezek.33.32

To them you're merely entertainment--a country singer of sad love songs, playing a guitar. They love to hear you talk, but nothing comes of it.

Ezek.33.32

Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.

Ezek.33.32

Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them.

Ezek.33.32

You are very entertaining to them, like someone who sings love songs with a beautiful voice or plays fine music on an instrument. They hear what you say, but they don't do it!

Ezek.33.33

"But when all this happens--and it is going to happen!-they'll realize that a prophet was among them."

Ezek.33.33

"When all this comes true-and it surely will-then they will know that a prophet has been among them."

Ezek.33.33

And when this comes to pass--surely it will come--then they will know that a prophet has been among them."

Ezek.33.33

But when all these terrible things happen to them--as they certainly will--then they will know a prophet has been among them."

Ezek.34.1

GOD's Message came to me:

Ezek.34.1

The word of the LORD came to me:

Ezek.34.1

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

Ezek.34.1

Then this message came to me from the LORD:

Ezek.34.2

"Son of man, prophesy against the shepherd-leaders of Israel. Yes, prophesy! Tell those shepherds, "GOD, the Master, says: Doom to you shepherds of Israel, feeding your own mouths! Aren't shepherds supposed to feed sheep?

Ezek.34.2

"Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?

Ezek.34.2

"Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, "Thus says the Lord GOD to the shepherds: "Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

Ezek.34.2

"Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds, the leaders of Israel. Give them this message from the Sovereign LORD: Destruction is certain for you shepherds who feed yourselves instead of your flocks. Shouldn't shepherds feed their sheep?

Ezek.34.3

You drink the milk, you make clothes from the wool, you roast the lambs, but you don't feed the sheep.

Ezek.34.3

You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock.

Ezek.34.3

You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock.

Ezek.34.3

You drink the milk, wear the wool, and butcher the best animals, but you let your flocks starve.

Ezek.34.4

You don't build up the weak ones, don't heal the sick, don't doctor the injured, don't go after the strays, don't look for the lost. You bully and badger them.

Ezek.34.4

You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally.

Ezek.34.4

The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them.

Ezek.34.4

You have not taken care of the weak. You have not tended the sick or bound up the broken bones. You have not gone looking for those who have wandered away and are lost. Instead, you have ruled them with force and cruelty.

Ezek.34.5

And now they're scattered every which way because there was no shepherd--scattered and easy pickings for wolves and coyotes.

Ezek.34.5

So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals.

Ezek.34.5

So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered.

Ezek.34.5

So my sheep have been scattered without a shepherd. They are easy prey for any wild animal.

Ezek.34.6

Scattered--my sheep!-exposed and vulnerable across mountains and hills. My sheep scattered all over the world, and no one out looking for them!

Ezek.34.6

My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.

Ezek.34.6

My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them."

Ezek.34.6

They have wandered through the mountains and hills, across the face of the earth, yet no one has gone to search for them.

Ezek.34.7

Therefore, shepherds, listen to the Message of GOD:

Ezek.34.7

"'Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:

Ezek.34.7

"Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:

Ezek.34.7

"Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:

Ezek.34.8

As sure as I am the living God--Decree of GOD, the Master--because my sheep have been turned into mere prey, into easy meals for wolves because you shepherds ignored them and only fed yourselves,

Ezek.34.8

As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock,

Ezek.34.8

"As I live," says the Lord GOD, "surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, nor did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock"--

Ezek.34.8

As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, you abandoned my flock and left them to be attacked by every wild animal. Though you were my shepherds, you didn't search for my sheep when they were lost. You took care of yourselves and left the sheep to starve.

Ezek.34.9

listen to what GOD has to say:

Ezek.34.9

therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:

Ezek.34.9

therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the LORD!

Ezek.34.9

Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD.

Ezek.34.10

Watch out! I'm coming down on the shepherds and taking my sheep back. They're fired as shepherds of my sheep. No more shepherds who just feed themselves! I'll rescue my sheep from their greed. They're not going to feed off my sheep any longer!

Ezek.34.10

This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.

Ezek.34.10

Thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at their hand; I will cause them to cease feeding the sheep, and the shepherds shall feed themselves no more; for I will deliver My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them."

Ezek.34.10

This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I now consider these shepherds my enemies, and I will hold them responsible for what has happened to my flock. I will take away their right to feed the flock, along with their right to feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths; the sheep will no longer be their prey.

Ezek.34.11

GOD, the Master, says: From now on, I myself am the shepherd. I'm going looking for them.

Ezek.34.11

"'For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.

Ezek.34.11

"For thus says the Lord GOD: "Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.

Ezek.34.11

"For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search and find my sheep.

Ezek.34.12

As shepherds go after their flocks when they get scattered, I'm going after my sheep. I'll rescue them from all the places they've been scattered to in the storms.

Ezek.34.12

As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.

Ezek.34.12

As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day.

Ezek.34.12

I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day.

Ezek.34.13

I'll bring them back from foreign peoples, gather them from foreign countries, and bring them back to their home country. I'll feed them on the mountains of Israel, along the streams, among their own people.

Ezek.34.13

I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land.

Ezek.34.13

And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country.

Ezek.34.13

I will bring them back home to their own land of Israel from among the peoples and nations. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel and by the rivers in all the places where people live.

Ezek.34.14

I'll lead them into lush pasture so they can roam the mountain pastures of Israel, graze at leisure, feed in the rich pastures on the mountains of Israel.

Ezek.34.14

I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.

Ezek.34.14

I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.

Ezek.34.14

Yes, I will give them good pastureland on the high hills of Israel. There they will lie down in pleasant places and feed in lush mountain pastures.

Ezek.34.15

And I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep. I myself will make sure they get plenty of rest.

Ezek.34.15

I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD.

Ezek.34.15

I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down," says the Lord GOD.

Ezek.34.15

I myself will tend my sheep and cause them to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign LORD.

Ezek.34.16

I'll go after the lost, I'll collect the strays, I'll doctor the injured, I'll build up the weak ones and oversee the strong ones so they're not exploited.

Ezek.34.16

I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.

Ezek.34.16

"I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment."

Ezek.34.16

I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak. But I will destroy those who are fat and powerful. I will feed them, yes--feed them justice!

Ezek.34.17

And as for you, my dear flock, I'm stepping in and judging between one sheep and another, between rams and goats.

Ezek.34.17

"'As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats.

Ezek.34.17

"And as for you, O My flock, thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I shall judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and goats.

Ezek.34.17

"And as for you, my flock, my people, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will judge between one sheep and another, separating the sheep from the goats.

Ezek.34.18

Aren't you satisfied to feed in good pasture without taking over the whole place? Can't you be satisfied to drink from the clear stream without muddying the water with your feet?

Ezek.34.18

Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?

Ezek.34.18

Is it too little for you to have eaten up the good pasture, that you must tread down with your feet the residue of your pasture--and to have drunk of the clear waters, that you must foul the residue with your feet?

Ezek.34.18

Is it not enough for you to keep the best of the pastures for yourselves? Must you also trample down the rest? Is it not enough for you to take the best water for yourselves? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?

Ezek.34.19

Why do the rest of my sheep have to make do with grass that's trampled down and water that's been muddied?

Ezek.34.19

Must my flock feed on what you have trampled and drink what you have muddied with your feet?

Ezek.34.19

And as for My flock, they eat what you have trampled with your feet, and they drink what you have fouled with your feet."

Ezek.34.19

All that is left for my flock to eat is what you have trampled down. All they have to drink is water that you have fouled.

Ezek.34.20

Therefore, GOD, the Master, says: I myself am stepping in and making things right between the plump sheep and the skinny sheep.

Ezek.34.20

"'Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.

Ezek.34.20

"Therefore thus says the Lord GOD to them: "Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat and the lean sheep.

Ezek.34.20

"Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will surely judge between the fat sheep and the scrawny sheep.

Ezek.34.21

Because you forced your way with shoulder and rump and butted at all the weaker animals with your horns till you scattered them all over the hills,

Ezek.34.21

Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away,

Ezek.34.21

Because you have pushed with side and shoulder, butted all the weak ones with your horns, and scattered them abroad,

Ezek.34.21

For you fat sheep push and butt and crowd my sick and hungry flock until they are scattered to distant lands.

Ezek.34.22

I'll come in and save my dear flock, no longer let them be pushed around. I'll step in and set things right between one sheep and another.

Ezek.34.22

I will save my flock, and they will no longer be plundered. I will judge between one sheep and another.

Ezek.34.22

therefore I will save My flock, and they shall no longer be a prey; and I will judge between sheep and sheep.

Ezek.34.22

So I will rescue my flock, and they will no longer be abused and destroyed. And I will judge between one sheep and another.

Ezek.34.23

I'll appoint one shepherd over them all: my servant David. He'll feed them. He'll be their shepherd.

Ezek.34.23

I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd.

Ezek.34.23

I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them--My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd.

Ezek.34.23

And I will set one shepherd over them, even my servant David. He will feed them and be a shepherd to them.

Ezek.34.24

And I, GOD, will be their God. My servant David will be their prince. I, GOD, have spoken.

Ezek.34.24

I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the LORD have spoken.

Ezek.34.24

And I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them; I, the LORD, have spoken.

Ezek.34.24

And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David will be a prince among my people. I, the LORD, have spoken!

Ezek.34.25

I'll make a covenant of peace with them. I'll banish fierce animals from the country so the sheep can live safely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest.

Ezek.34.25

"'I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of wild beasts so that they may live in the desert and sleep in the forests in safety.

Ezek.34.25

"I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts to cease from the land; and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods.

Ezek.34.25

"I will make a covenant of peace with them and drive away the dangerous animals from the land. Then my people will be able to camp safely in the wildest places and sleep in the woods without fear.

Ezek.34.26

I'll make them and everything around my hill a blessing. I'll send down plenty of rain in season--showers of blessing!

Ezek.34.26

I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.

Ezek.34.26

I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing.

Ezek.34.26

I will cause my people and their homes around my holy hill to be a blessing. And I will send showers, showers of blessings, which will come just when they are needed.

Ezek.34.27

The trees in the orchards will bear fruit, the ground will produce, they'll feel content and safe on their land, and they'll realize that I am GOD when I break them out of their slavery and rescue them from their slave masters.

Ezek.34.27

The trees of the field will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the LORD, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them.

Ezek.34.27

Then the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase. They shall be safe in their land; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke and delivered them from the hand of those who enslaved them.

Ezek.34.27

The orchards and fields of my people will yield bumper crops, and everyone will live in safety. When I have broken their chains of slavery and rescued them from those who enslaved them, then they will know that I am the LORD.

Ezek.34.28

No longer will they be exploited by outsiders and ravaged by fierce beasts. They'll live safe and sound, fearless and free.

Ezek.34.28

They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid.

Ezek.34.28

And they shall no longer be a prey for the nations, nor shall beasts of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and no one shall make them afraid.

Ezek.34.28

They will no longer be prey for other nations, and wild animals will no longer attack them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid.

Ezek.34.29

I'll give them rich gardens, lavish in vegetables--no more living half-starved, no longer taunted by outsiders.

Ezek.34.29

I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations.

Ezek.34.29

I will raise up for them a garden of renown, and they shall no longer be consumed with hunger in the land, nor bear the shame of the Gentiles anymore.

Ezek.34.29

"And I will give them a land famous for its crops, so my people will never again go hungry or be shamed by the scorn of foreign nations.

Ezek.34.30

They'll know, beyond doubting, that I, GOD, am their God, that I'm with them and that they, the people Israel, are my people. Decree of GOD, the Master:

Ezek.34.30

Then they will know that I, the LORD their God, am with them and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Sovereign LORD.

Ezek.34.30

Thus they shall know that I, the LORD their God, am with them, and they, the house of Israel, are My people," says the Lord GOD."'

Ezek.34.30

In this way, they will know that I, the LORD their God, am with them. And they will know that they, the people of Israel, are my people, says the Sovereign LORD.

Ezek.34.31

You are my dear flock, the flock of my pasture, my human flock, And I am your God. Decree of GOD, the Master.'"

Ezek.34.31

You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD.'"

Ezek.34.31

"You are My flock, the flock of My pasture; you are men, and I am your God," says the Lord GOD.

Ezek.34.31

You are my flock, the sheep of my pasture. You are my people, and I am your God, says the Sovereign LORD."

Ezek.35.1

GOD's Message came to me:

Ezek.35.1

The word of the LORD came to me:

Ezek.35.1

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

Ezek.35.1

Again a message came to me from the LORD:

Ezek.35.2

"Son of man, confront Mount Seir. Prophesy against it!

Ezek.35.2

"Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir; prophesy against it

Ezek.35.2

"Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir and prophesy against it,

Ezek.35.2

"Son of man, turn toward Mount Seir, and prophesy against its people.

Ezek.35.3

Tell them, "GOD, the Master, says: I'm coming down hard on you, Mount Seir. I'm stepping in and turning you to a pile of rubble.

Ezek.35.3

and say: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, Mount Seir, and I will stretch out my hand against you and make you a desolate waste.

Ezek.35.3

and say to it, "Thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, O Mount Seir, I am against you; I will stretch out My hand against you, And make you most desolate;

Ezek.35.3

Give them this message from the Sovereign LORD: I am your enemy, O Mount Seir, and I will raise my fist against you to destroy you completely.

Ezek.35.4

I'll reduce your towns to piles of rocks. There'll be nothing left of you. Then you'll realize that I am GOD.

Ezek.35.4

I will turn your towns into ruins and you will be desolate. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

Ezek.35.4

I shall lay your cities waste, And you shall be desolate. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.

Ezek.35.4

I will demolish your cities and make you desolate, and then you will know that I am the LORD.

Ezek.35.5

I'm doing this because you've kept this age-old grudge going against Israel: You viciously attacked them when they were already down, looking their final punishment in the face.

Ezek.35.5

"'Because you harbored an ancient hostility and delivered the Israelites over to the sword at the time of their calamity, the time their punishment reached its climax,

Ezek.35.5

"Because you have had an ancient hatred, and have shed the blood of the children of Israel by the power of the sword at the time of their calamity, when their iniquity came to an end,

Ezek.35.5

Your continual hatred for the people of Israel led you to butcher them when they were helpless, when I had already punished them for all their sins.

Ezek.35.6

Therefore, as sure as I am the living God, I'm lining you up for a real bloodbath. Since you loved blood so much, you'll be chased by rivers of blood.

Ezek.35.6

therefore as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I will give you over to bloodshed and it will pursue you. Since you did not hate bloodshed, bloodshed will pursue you.

Ezek.35.6

therefore, as I live," says the Lord GOD, "I will prepare you for blood, and blood shall pursue you; since you have not hated blood, therefore blood shall pursue you.

Ezek.35.6

As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, since you show no distaste for blood, I will give you a bloodbath of your own. Your turn has come!

Ezek.35.7

I'll reduce Mount Seir to a heap of rubble. No one will either come or go from that place!

Ezek.35.7

I will make Mount Seir a desolate waste and cut off from it all who come and go.

Ezek.35.7

Thus I will make Mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it the one who leaves and the one who returns.

Ezek.35.7

I will make Mount Seir utterly desolate, killing off all who try to escape and any who return.

Ezek.35.8

I'll blanket your mountains with corpses. Massacred bodies will cover your hills and fill up your valleys and ditches.

Ezek.35.8

I will fill your mountains with the slain; those killed by the sword will fall on your hills and in your valleys and in all your ravines.

Ezek.35.8

And I will fill its mountains with the slain; on your hills and in your valleys and in all your ravines those who are slain by the sword shall fall.

Ezek.35.8

I will fill your mountains with the dead. Your hills, your valleys, and your streams will be filled with people slaughtered by the sword.

Ezek.35.9

I'll reduce you to ruins and all your towns will be ghost towns--population zero. Then you'll realize that I am GOD.

Ezek.35.9

I will make you desolate forever; your towns will not be inhabited. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

Ezek.35.9

I will make you perpetually desolate, and your cities shall be uninhabited; then you shall know that I am the LORD.

Ezek.35.9

I will make you desolate forever. Your cities will never be rebuilt. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

Ezek.35.10

Because you said, "These two nations, these two countries, are mine. I'm taking over" (even though GOD is right there watching, right there listening),

Ezek.35.10

"'Because you have said, "These two nations and countries will be ours and we will take possession of them," even though I the LORD was there,

Ezek.35.10

"Because you have said, "These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess them,' although the LORD was there,

Ezek.35.10

"For you said, `The lands of Israel and Judah will be ours. We will take possession of them. What do we care that the LORD is there!'

Ezek.35.11

I'll turn your hate-bloated anger and rage right back on you. You'll know I mean business when I bring judgment on you.

Ezek.35.11

therefore as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I will treat you in accordance with the anger and jealousy you showed in your hatred of them and I will make myself known among them when I judge you.

Ezek.35.11

therefore, as I live," says the Lord GOD, "I will do according to your anger and according to the envy which you showed in your hatred against them; and I will make Myself known among them when I judge you.

Ezek.35.11

Therefore, as surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I will pay back your angry deeds with mine. I will punish you for all your acts of anger, envy, and hatred. And I will bring honor to my name by what I do to you.

Ezek.35.12

You'll realize then that I, GOD, have overheard all the vile abuse you've poured out against the mountains of Israel, saying, "They're roadkill and we're going to eat them up."

Ezek.35.12

Then you will know that I the LORD have heard all the contemptible things you have said against the mountains of Israel. You said, "They have been laid waste and have been given over to us to devour."

Ezek.35.12

Then you shall know that I am the LORD. I have heard all your blasphemies which you have spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, "They are desolate; they are given to us to consume.'

Ezek.35.12

Then you will know that I, the LORD, have heard every contemptuous word you spoke against the mountains of Israel. For you said, `They have been destroyed; they have been given to us as food to eat!'

Ezek.35.13

You've strutted around, talking so big, insolently pitting yourselves against me. And I've heard it all.

Ezek.35.13

You boasted against me and spoke against me without restraint, and I heard it.

Ezek.35.13

Thus with your mouth you have boasted against Me and multiplied your words against Me; I have heard them."

Ezek.35.13

In saying that, you boasted proudly against me, and I have heard it all!

Ezek.35.14

This is the verdict of GOD, the Master: With the whole earth applauding, I'll demolish you.

Ezek.35.14

This is what the Sovereign LORD says: While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate.

Ezek.35.14

"Thus says the Lord GOD: "The whole earth will rejoice when I make you desolate.

Ezek.35.14

"This is what the Sovereign LORD says: The whole world will rejoice when I make you desolate.

Ezek.35.15

Since you danced in the streets, thinking it was so wonderful when Israel's inheritance was demolished, I'll give you the same treatment: demolition. Mount Seir demolished--yes, every square inch of Edom. Then they'll realize that I am GOD!'

Ezek.35.15

Because you rejoiced when the inheritance of the house of Israel became desolate, that is how I will treat you. You will be desolate, O Mount Seir, you and all of Edom. Then they will know that I am the LORD.'"

Ezek.35.15

As you rejoiced because the inheritance of the house of Israel was desolate, so I will do to you; you shall be desolate, O Mount Seir, as well as all of Edom--all of it! Then they shall know that I am the LORD."'

Ezek.35.15

You rejoiced at the desolation of Israel's inheritance. Now I will rejoice at yours! You will be wiped out, you people of Mount Seir and all who live in Edom! Then you will know that I am the LORD!

Jas.2.1

My dear friends, don't let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith.

Jas.2.1

My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.

Jas.2.1

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.

Jas.2.1

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?

Jas.2.2

If a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him,

Jas.2.2

Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.

Jas.2.2

For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes,

Jas.2.2

For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes.

Jas.2.3

and you say to the man in the suit, "Sit here, sir; this is the best seat in the house!" and either ignore the street person or say, "Better sit here in the back row,"

Jas.2.3

If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet,"

Jas.2.3

and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool,"

Jas.2.3

If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"--well,

Jas.2.4

haven't you segregated God's children and proved that you are judges who can't be trusted?

Jas.2.4

have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Jas.2.4

have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

Jas.2.4

doesn't this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives?

Jas.2.5

Listen, dear friends. Isn't it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world's down-and-out as the kingdom's first citizens, with full rights and privileges. This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God.

Jas.2.5

Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

Jas.2.5

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

Jas.2.5

Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?

Jas.2.6

And here you are abusing these same citizens! Isn't it the high and mighty who exploit you, who use the courts to rob you blind?

Jas.2.6

But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?

Jas.2.6

But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?

Jas.2.6

And yet, you insult the poor man! Isn't it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?

Jas.2.7

Aren't they the ones who scorn the new name--"Christian"-used in your baptisms?

Jas.2.7

Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?

Jas.2.7

Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?

Jas.2.7

Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?

Jas.2.8

You do well when you complete the Royal Rule of the Scriptures: "Love others as you love yourself."

Jas.2.8

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right.

Jas.2.8

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well;

Jas.2.8

Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord's royal command found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Jas.2.9

But if you play up to these so-called important people, you go against the Rule and stand convicted by it.

Jas.2.9

But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

Jas.2.9

but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

Jas.2.9

But if you pay special attention to the rich, you are committing a sin, for you are guilty of breaking that law.

Jas.2.10

You can't pick and choose in these things, specializing in keeping one or two things in God's law and ignoring others.

Jas.2.10

For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

Jas.2.10

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

Jas.2.10

And the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as the person who has broken all of God's laws.

Jas.2.11

The same God who said, "Don't commit adultery," also said, "Don't murder." If you don't commit adultery but go ahead and murder, do you think your non-adultery will cancel out your murder? No, you're a murderer, period.

Jas.2.11

For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

Jas.2.11

For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

Jas.2.11

For the same God who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." So if you murder someone, you have broken the entire law, even if you do not commit adultery.

Jas.2.12

Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free.

Jas.2.12

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,

Jas.2.12

So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.

Jas.2.12

So whenever you speak, or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law of love, the law that set you free.

Jas.2.13

For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.

Jas.2.13

because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

Jas.2.13

For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Jas.2.13

For there will be no mercy for you if you have not been merciful to others. But if you have been merciful, then God's mercy toward you will win out over his judgment against you.

Jas.2.14

Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it?

Jas.2.14

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?

Jas.2.14

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

Jas.2.14

Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone.

Jas.2.15

For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved

Jas.2.15

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.

Jas.2.15

If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,

Jas.2.15

Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing,

Jas.2.16

and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup--where does that get you?

Jas.2.16

If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

Jas.2.16

and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

Jas.2.16

and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

Jas.2.17

Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

Jas.2.17

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Jas.2.17

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Jas.2.17

So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all--it is dead and useless.

Jas.2.18

I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, "Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I'll handle the works department." Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.

Jas.2.18

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

Jas.2.18

But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Jas.2.18

Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." I say, "I can't see your faith if you don't have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds."

Jas.2.19

Do I hear you professing to believe in the one and only God, but then observe you complacently sitting back as if you had done something wonderful? That's just great. Demons do that, but what good does it do them?

Jas.2.19

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder.

Jas.2.19

You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!

Jas.2.19

Do you still think it's enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror!

Jas.2.20

Use your heads! Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands?

Jas.2.20

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

Jas.2.20

But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

Jas.2.20

Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?

Jas.2.21

Wasn't our ancestor Abraham "made right with God by works" when he placed his son Isaac on the sacrificial altar?

Jas.2.21

Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?

Jas.2.21

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?

Jas.2.21

Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?

Jas.2.22

Isn't it obvious that faith and works are yoked partners, that faith expresses itself in works? That the works are "works of faith"?

Jas.2.22

You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

Jas.2.22

Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?

Jas.2.22

You see, he was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did--by his actions.

Jas.2.23

The full meaning of "believe" in the Scripture sentence, "Abraham believed God and was set right with God," includes his action. It's that mesh of believing and acting that got Abraham named "God's friend."

Jas.2.23

And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend.

Jas.2.23

And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.

Jas.2.23

And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous." He was even called "the friend of God."

Jas.2.24

Is it not evident that a person is made right with God not by a barren faith but by faith fruitful in works?

Jas.2.24

You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

Jas.2.24

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

Jas.2.24

So you see, we are made right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.

Jas.2.25

The same with Rahab, the Jericho harlot. Wasn't her action in hiding God's spies and helping them escape--that seamless unity of believing and doing--what counted with God?

Jas.2.25

In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?

Jas.2.25

Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

Jas.2.25

Rahab the prostitute is another example of this. She was made right with God by her actions--when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road.

Jas.2.26

The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse.

Jas.2.26

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Jas.2.26

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Jas.2.26

Just as the body is dead without a spirit, so also faith is dead without good deeds.

Ps.128.1

All you who fear GOD, how blessed you are! how happily you walk on his smooth straight road!

Ps.128.1

Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.

Ps.128.1

Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways.

Ps.128.1

How happy are those who fear the LORD--all who follow his ways!

Ps.128.2

You worked hard and deserve all you've got coming. Enjoy the blessing! Revel in the goodness!

Ps.128.2

You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Ps.128.2

When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.

Ps.128.2

You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How happy you will be! How rich your life!

Ps.128.3

Your wife will bear children as a vine bears grapes, your household lush as a vineyard, The children around your table as fresh and promising as young olive shoots.

Ps.128.3

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.

Ps.128.3

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.

Ps.128.3

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, flourishing within your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around your table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees.

Ps.128.4

Stand in awe of God's Yes. Oh, how he blesses the one who fears GOD!

Ps.128.4

Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.

Ps.128.4

Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD.

Ps.128.4

That is the LORD's reward for those who fear him.

Ps.128.5

Enjoy the good life in Jerusalem every day of your life.

Ps.128.5

May the LORD bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,

Ps.128.5

The LORD bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life.

Ps.128.5

May the LORD continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.

Ps.128.6

And enjoy your grandchildren. Peace to Israel!

Ps.128.6

and may you live to see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.

Ps.128.6

Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!

Ps.128.6

May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. And may Israel have quietness and peace.