The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Saturday November 30, 2024 (NIV)

Daniel 7

Daniel’s Dream of Four Beasts

In the first year of Belshazzar(A) king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions(B) passed through his mind(C) as he was lying in bed.(D) He wrote(E) down the substance of his dream.

Daniel said: “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven(F) churning up the great sea. Four great beasts,(G) each different from the others, came up out of the sea.

“The first was like a lion,(H) and it had the wings of an eagle.(I) I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a human being, and the mind of a human was given to it.

“And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and eat your fill of flesh!’(J)

“After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard.(K) And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.

“After that, in my vision(L) at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron(M) teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled(N) underfoot whatever was left.(O) It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.(P)

“While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little(Q) one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a human being(R) and a mouth that spoke boastfully.(S)

“As I looked,

“thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days(T) took his seat.(U)
His clothing was as white as snow;(V)
the hair of his head was white like wool.(W)
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels(X) were all ablaze.
10 A river of fire(Y) was flowing,
coming out from before him.(Z)
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books(AA) were opened.

11 “Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking.(AB) I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire.(AC) 12 (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)

13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man,[a](AD) coming(AE) with the clouds of heaven.(AF) He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority,(AG) glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him.(AH) His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom(AI) is one that will never be destroyed.(AJ)

The Interpretation of the Dream

15 “I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me.(AK) 16 I approached one of those standing there and asked him the meaning of all this.

“So he told me and gave me the interpretation(AL) of these things: 17 ‘The four great beasts are four kings that will rise from the earth. 18 But the holy people(AM) of the Most High will receive the kingdom(AN) and will possess it forever—yes, for ever and ever.’(AO)

19 “Then I wanted to know the meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others and most terrifying, with its iron teeth and bronze claws—the beast that crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. 20 I also wanted to know about the ten horns(AP) on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully.(AQ) 21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the holy people and defeating them,(AR) 22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the holy people of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.(AS)

23 “He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it.(AT) 24 The ten horns(AU) are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. 25 He will speak against the Most High(AV) and oppress his holy people(AW) and try to change the set times(AX) and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time.[b](AY)

26 “‘But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed(AZ) forever. 27 Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms(BA) under heaven will be handed over to the holy people(BB) of the Most High.(BC) His kingdom will be an everlasting(BD) kingdom, and all rulers will worship(BE) and obey him.’

28 “This is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled(BF) by my thoughts,(BG) and my face turned pale,(BH) but I kept the matter to myself.”

Footnotes:

  1. Daniel 7:13 The Aramaic phrase bar enash means human being. The phrase son of man is retained here because of its use in the New Testament as a title of Jesus, probably based largely on this verse.
  2. Daniel 7:25 Or for a year, two years and half a year

Cross references:

  1. Daniel 7:1 : S Da 5:1
  2. Daniel 7:1 : S Eze 40:2
  3. Daniel 7:1 : S Da 1:17
  4. Daniel 7:1 : Ps 4:4; S Da 4:13
  5. Daniel 7:1 : S Jer 36:4
  6. Daniel 7:2 : S Eze 37:9; Da 8:8; 11:4; Rev 7:1
  7. Daniel 7:3 : Rev 13:1
  8. Daniel 7:4 : S 2Ki 24:1; Ps 7:2; Jer 4:7; Rev 13:2
  9. Daniel 7:4 : S Eze 17:3
  10. Daniel 7:5 : Da 2:39
  11. Daniel 7:6 : Rev 13:2
  12. Daniel 7:7 : S Eze 40:2
  13. Daniel 7:7 : S Da 2:40
  14. Daniel 7:7 : Da 8:10
  15. Daniel 7:7 : Da 8:7
  16. Daniel 7:7 : S Rev 12:3
  17. Daniel 7:8 : Da 8:9
  18. Daniel 7:8 : Rev 9:7
  19. Daniel 7:8 : S Ps 12:3; Rev 13:5-6
  20. Daniel 7:9 : ver 22
  21. Daniel 7:9 : S 1Ki 22:19; 2Ch 18:18; Mt 19:28; Rev 4:2; 20:4
  22. Daniel 7:9 : S Mt 28:3
  23. Daniel 7:9 : Rev 1:14
  24. Daniel 7:9 : S Eze 1:15; 10:6
  25. Daniel 7:10 : Ps 50:3; 97:3; Isa 30:27
  26. Daniel 7:10 : S Dt 33:2; Ps 68:17; Jude 1:14; Rev 5:11
  27. Daniel 7:10 : S Ex 32:32; S Ps 56:8; Rev 20:11-15
  28. Daniel 7:11 : Rev 13:5-6
  29. Daniel 7:11 : Rev 19:20
  30. Daniel 7:13 : S Eze 1:5; S 2:1; Mt 8:20*; Rev 1:13*; 14:14*
  31. Daniel 7:13 : Isa 13:6; Zep 1:14; Mal 3:2; 4:1
  32. Daniel 7:13 : S Dt 33:26; S Rev 1:7
  33. Daniel 7:14 : S Mt 28:18
  34. Daniel 7:14 : Ps 72:11; 102:22
  35. Daniel 7:14 : S Isa 16:5
  36. Daniel 7:14 : S Da 2:44; Heb 12:28; Rev 11:15
  37. Daniel 7:15 : S Job 4:15; S Da 4:19
  38. Daniel 7:16 : Da 8:16; 9:22; Zec 1:9
  39. Daniel 7:18 : S Ps 16:3
  40. Daniel 7:18 : S Ps 49:14
  41. Daniel 7:18 : Isa 60:12-14; Lk 12:32; Heb 12:28; Rev 2:26; 20:4
  42. Daniel 7:20 : Rev 17:12
  43. Daniel 7:20 : Rev 13:5-6
  44. Daniel 7:21 : Rev 13:7
  45. Daniel 7:22 : Mk 8:35
  46. Daniel 7:23 : S Da 2:40
  47. Daniel 7:24 : Rev 17:12
  48. Daniel 7:25 : S Isa 37:23; Da 11:36
  49. Daniel 7:25 : Rev 16:6
  50. Daniel 7:25 : Da 2:21; Mk 1:15; Lk 21:8; Ac 1:6-7
  51. Daniel 7:25 : Da 8:24; 12:7; S Rev 11:2
  52. Daniel 7:26 : Rev 19:20
  53. Daniel 7:27 : S Isa 14:2
  54. Daniel 7:27 : 1Co 6:2
  55. Daniel 7:27 : Ge 14:18
  56. Daniel 7:27 : S 2Sa 7:13; Ps 145:13; S Da 2:44; S 4:34; S Lk 1:33; Rev 11:15; 22:5
  57. Daniel 7:27 : S Ps 22:27; 72:11; 86:9
  58. Daniel 7:28 : S Isa 21:3; S Da 4:19
  59. Daniel 7:28 : S Ps 13:2
  60. Daniel 7:28 : S Job 4:15
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1 John 1

The Incarnation of the Word of Life

That which was from the beginning,(A) which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,(B) which we have looked at and our hands have touched(C)—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared;(D) we have seen it and testify to it,(E) and we proclaim to you the eternal life,(F) which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard,(G) so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.(H) We write this(I) to make our[a] joy complete.(J)

Light and Darkness, Sin and Forgiveness

This is the message we have heard(K) from him and declare to you: God is light;(L) in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness,(M) we lie and do not live out the truth.(N) But if we walk in the light,(O) as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin.(P)

If we claim to be without sin,(Q) we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.(R) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins(S) and purify us from all unrighteousness.(T) 10 If we claim we have not sinned,(U) we make him out to be a liar(V) and his word is not in us.(W)

Footnotes:

  1. 1 John 1:4 Some manuscripts your
  2. 1 John 1:7 Or every
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Psalm 119:153-176

ר Resh

153 Look on my suffering(A) and deliver me,(B)
for I have not forgotten(C) your law.
154 Defend my cause(D) and redeem me;(E)
preserve my life(F) according to your promise.(G)
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek out(H) your decrees.
156 Your compassion, Lord, is great;(I)
preserve my life(J) according to your laws.(K)
157 Many are the foes who persecute me,(L)
but I have not turned(M) from your statutes.
158 I look on the faithless with loathing,(N)
for they do not obey your word.(O)
159 See how I love your precepts;
preserve my life,(P) Lord, in accordance with your love.
160 All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal.(Q)

ש Sin and Shin

161 Rulers persecute me(R) without cause,
but my heart trembles(S) at your word.
162 I rejoice(T) in your promise
like one who finds great spoil.(U)
163 I hate and detest(V) falsehood
but I love your law.(W)
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws.(X)
165 Great peace(Y) have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.(Z)
166 I wait for your salvation,(AA) Lord,
and I follow your commands.
167 I obey your statutes,
for I love them(AB) greatly.
168 I obey your precepts(AC) and your statutes,(AD)
for all my ways are known(AE) to you.

ת Taw

169 May my cry come(AF) before you, Lord;
give me understanding(AG) according to your word.(AH)
170 May my supplication come(AI) before you;
deliver me(AJ) according to your promise.(AK)
171 May my lips overflow with praise,(AL)
for you teach me(AM) your decrees.
172 May my tongue sing(AN) of your word,
for all your commands are righteous.(AO)
173 May your hand be ready to help(AP) me,
for I have chosen(AQ) your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation,(AR) Lord,
and your law gives me delight.(AS)
175 Let me live(AT) that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.(AU)
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten(AV) your commands.

Cross references:

  1. Psalm 119:153 : S Ps 13:3
  2. Psalm 119:153 : S Ps 3:7
  3. Psalm 119:153 : S Ps 44:17
  4. Psalm 119:154 : Ps 35:1; Jer 50:34; Mic 7:9
  5. Psalm 119:154 : S 1Sa 24:15
  6. Psalm 119:154 : ver 25
  7. Psalm 119:154 : S ver 41
  8. Psalm 119:155 : ver 94, 118
  9. Psalm 119:156 : S Ne 9:27; Jas 5:11
  10. Psalm 119:156 : ver 25
  11. Psalm 119:156 : ver 149
  12. Psalm 119:157 : S Ps 7:1
  13. Psalm 119:157 : S Ps 44:18
  14. Psalm 119:158 : ver 104; S Ex 32:19
  15. Psalm 119:158 : S ver 136
  16. Psalm 119:159 : ver 25; S Ps 41:2
  17. Psalm 119:160 : S ver 89; S Ps 111:8
  18. Psalm 119:161 : ver 23, 122, 157; 1Sa 24:14-15
  19. Psalm 119:161 : ver 120
  20. Psalm 119:162 : S ver 111
  21. Psalm 119:162 : 1Sa 30:16; Isa 9:3; 53:12
  22. Psalm 119:163 : S ver 128
  23. Psalm 119:163 : ver 47
  24. Psalm 119:164 : ver 7, 160
  25. Psalm 119:165 : Ps 37:11; Isa 26:3, 12; 27:5; 32:17; 57:19; 66:12
  26. Psalm 119:165 : S ver 11; S Ps 37:24; 1Jn 2:10
  27. Psalm 119:166 : ver 81
  28. Psalm 119:167 : ver 47
  29. Psalm 119:168 : S ver 56,S 88
  30. Psalm 119:168 : ver 2, 22
  31. Psalm 119:168 : S Job 10:4; S 23:10; Ps 139:3; Pr 5:21
  32. Psalm 119:169 : S Job 16:18
  33. Psalm 119:169 : S ver 34
  34. Psalm 119:169 : S ver 9
  35. Psalm 119:170 : 1Ki 8:30; 2Ch 6:24; Ps 28:2; 140:6; 143:1
  36. Psalm 119:170 : Ps 3:7; 22:20; 59:1
  37. Psalm 119:170 : S ver 41
  38. Psalm 119:171 : Ps 51:15; 63:3
  39. Psalm 119:171 : Ps 94:12; Isa 2:3; Mic 4:2
  40. Psalm 119:172 : Ps 51:14
  41. Psalm 119:172 : ver 7,S 75
  42. Psalm 119:173 : Ps 37:24; 73:23; Isa 41:10
  43. Psalm 119:173 : S Jos 24:22
  44. Psalm 119:174 : ver 166
  45. Psalm 119:174 : ver 16, 24
  46. Psalm 119:175 : ver 116, 159; Isa 55:3
  47. Psalm 119:176 : ver 10; S Ps 95:10; Jer 50:17; Eze 34:11; S Lk 15:4
  48. Psalm 119:176 : S Ps 44:17
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Proverbs 28:23-24

23 Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor
rather than one who has a flattering tongue.(A)

24 Whoever robs their father or mother(B)
and says, “It’s not wrong,”
is partner to one who destroys.(C)

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The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Friday November 29, 2024 (NIV)

Daniel 6

Daniel in the Den of Lions

[a]It pleased Darius(A) to appoint 120 satraps(B) to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel.(C) The satraps were made accountable(D) to them so that the king might not suffer loss. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.(E) At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges(F) against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”(G)

So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever!(H) The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors(I) have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.(J) Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”(K) So King Darius put the decree in writing.

10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward(L) Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees(M) and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.(N) 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.(O) 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?”

The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”(P)

13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah,(Q) pays no attention(R) to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” 14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed;(S) he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.

15 Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.”(T)

16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den.(U) The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue(V) you!”

17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed(W) it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating(X) and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.(Y)

19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”(Z)

21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever!(AA) 22 My God sent his angel,(AB) and he shut the mouths of the lions.(AC) They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight.(AD) Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”

23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound(AE) was found on him, because he had trusted(AF) in his God.

24 At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den,(AG) along with their wives and children.(AH) And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.(AI)

25 Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language(AJ) in all the earth:

“May you prosper greatly!(AK)

26 “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence(AL) the God of Daniel.(AM)

“For he is the living God(AN)
and he endures forever;(AO)
his kingdom will not be destroyed,
his dominion will never end.(AP)
27 He rescues and he saves;(AQ)
he performs signs and wonders(AR)
in the heavens and on the earth.
He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions.”(AS)

28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus[b](AT) the Persian.(AU)

Footnotes:

  1. Daniel 6:1 In Aramaic texts 6:1-28 is numbered 6:2-29.
  2. Daniel 6:28 Or Darius, that is, the reign of Cyrus
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2 Peter 3

The Day of the Lord

Dear friends,(A) this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders(B) to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets(C) and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.(D)

Above all, you must understand that in the last days(E) scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.(F) They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?(G) Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”(H) But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word(I) the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water.(J) By these waters also the world of that time(K) was deluged and destroyed.(L) By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire,(M) being kept for the day of judgment(N) and destruction of the ungodly.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.(O) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise,(P) as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient(Q) with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.(R)

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.(S) The heavens will disappear with a roar;(T) the elements will be destroyed by fire,(U) and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.[a](V)

11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward(W) to the day of God and speed its coming.[b](X) That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.(Y) 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth,(Z) where righteousness dwells.

14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless(AA) and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience(AB) means salvation,(AC) just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.(AD) 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable(AE) people distort,(AF) as they do the other Scriptures,(AG) to their own destruction.

17 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard(AH) so that you may not be carried away by the error(AI) of the lawless(AJ) and fall from your secure position.(AK) 18 But grow in the grace(AL) and knowledge(AM) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.(AN) To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.(AO)

Footnotes:

  1. 2 Peter 3:10 Some manuscripts be burned up
  2. 2 Peter 3:12 Or as you wait eagerly for the day of God to come
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Psalm 119:129-152

פ Pe

129 Your statutes are wonderful;(A)
therefore I obey them.(B)
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;(C)
it gives understanding to the simple.(D)
131 I open my mouth and pant,(E)
longing for your commands.(F)
132 Turn to me(G) and have mercy(H) on me,
as you always do to those who love your name.(I)
133 Direct my footsteps according to your word;(J)
let no sin rule(K) over me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression,(L)
that I may obey your precepts.(M)
135 Make your face shine(N) on your servant
and teach me your decrees.(O)
136 Streams of tears(P) flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed.(Q)

צ Tsadhe

137 You are righteous,(R) Lord,
and your laws are right.(S)
138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous;(T)
they are fully trustworthy.(U)
139 My zeal wears me out,(V)
for my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promises(W) have been thoroughly tested,(X)
and your servant loves them.(Y)
141 Though I am lowly and despised,(Z)
I do not forget your precepts.(AA)
142 Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true.(AB)
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands give me delight.(AC)
144 Your statutes are always righteous;
give me understanding(AD) that I may live.

ק Qoph

145 I call with all my heart;(AE) answer me, Lord,
and I will obey your decrees.(AF)
146 I call out to you; save me(AG)
and I will keep your statutes.
147 I rise before dawn(AH) and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,(AI)
that I may meditate on your promises.
149 Hear my voice(AJ) in accordance with your love;(AK)
preserve my life,(AL) Lord, according to your laws.
150 Those who devise wicked schemes(AM) are near,
but they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near,(AN) Lord,
and all your commands are true.(AO)
152 Long ago I learned from your statutes(AP)
that you established them to last forever.(AQ)

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Proverbs 28:21-22

21 To show partiality(A) is not good(B)
yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.(C)

22 The stingy are eager to get rich
and are unaware that poverty awaits them.(D)

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The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Thursday November 28, 2024 (NIV)

Daniel 5

A theme found throughout Scripture is that God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. Nebuchadnezzar is stronger than anyone else, and he knows it. He willingly accepts credit for all that has happened in his life, so God moves decisively to show how insignificant Nebuchadnezzar truly is. It takes little to reduce him to an animal-like state, a wild man living at the margins of humanity, his power and prestige eroded overnight. If one of the greatest kings in history degenerates so completely, what can be done to common folks? Seven years of living as an animal go by, however, and he comes to his senses. He recognizes the truth of who he is and who God is. That realization is his salvation.

1-2 A few decades later, the king, Belshazzar, held a state banquet and invited a thousand of his officials.

The regent stands in for the king and performs his duties while King Nabonidus spends 10 years campaigning abroad, that is, fighting to expand the kingdom. In this case, the regent is Nabonidus’ son Belshazzar.

As he was tasting the wine, he ordered servants to bring in the gold and silver vessels his predecessor Nebuchadnezzar had stolen from the temple in Jerusalem many years earlier. He wanted his officials to join him, his wives, and his concubines in drinking a royal toast from them. A little later his servants returned carrying in the gold[a] vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of the one True God in Jerusalem. The king, his officials, his wives, and his concubines began to drink from them. As they drank the wine, they offered praise to their idols crafted in gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.

Suddenly the fingers of a hand—a human hand—appeared and began to write on the plaster of one of the palace walls lit by a nearby lampstand. The king stood transfixed, watching the hand as it wrote. Then his face changed. He grew pale and began to feel sick. His thoughts frightened him: what was this strange vision? His legs felt weak and wobbly. His knees knocked together. The king cried out to his servants, ordering them to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldean wise men, and the diviners.

Belshazzar (to Babylon’s wise men): A great reward awaits the first person who can read this writing and tell me what it means. He will be clothed in purple, wear a gold chain around his neck, and ascend in rank and privilege to be the third-highest-ranking ruler in the kingdom.

All the king’s purported wise men came forward to examine the wall, but no one could read the writing or tell the king what it meant. When it became clear that none of his sages could help him, King Belshazzar became even more frightened. His face grew even paler, and his officials were dumbfounded.

10 Belshazzar’s mother, the queen, overheard some of the discussions between the king and his noble guests, so she entered the banquet hall.

Queen: Long live the king! Don’t let this strange incident frighten you or let your face grow pale. 11 Need I remind you that there is a gifted man in your kingdom who possesses the spirit of the holy gods. Years ago, in the time of your predecessor, King Nebuchadnezzar, he was discovered to have insight, understanding, and wisdom like that of the gods. That is why King Nebuchadnezzar put him in charge of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldean astrologers, and diviners in his kingdom. 12 This man Daniel, whom King Nebuchadnezzar named Belteshazzar, has special abilities, knowledge, and wisdom; he is able to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve problems no one else can. Why don’t you call for Daniel? He will tell you what the writing means.

13-14 With no other options, Belshazzar gave the order, and Daniel was brought before him.

Belshazzar (to Daniel): Are you that Daniel I’ve heard so much about, one of the exiles brought here from Judah by my predecessor, King Nebuchadnezzar? I have been told that you possess the spirit of the holy gods—that you have insight, understanding, and exceptional wisdom. 15 Before you arrived, I had the wise men and enchanters brought before me to see if they could read this writing on the wall and tell me what it means, and not one of them was able to tell me. 16 But it has been reported to me directly that you can offer accurate interpretations and solve problems no one else can. Now I will offer you what I offered the others: if you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple, wear a gold chain around your neck, and ascend in rank and privilege to be the third-highest-ranking ruler in the kingdom.

Daniel: 17 Keep the gifts for yourself, or else award them to another. That is up to you. Still, I will agree to read the writing on the wall and tell you what it means.

18 O king, the Most High God gave sovereignty, greatness, honor, and splendor to your predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. 19 God made him so great and powerful that all peoples, regardless of their heritage, nationality, or language, trembled in fear before him. He did as he pleased: executing or sparing, honoring or shaming anyone as he wished. 20 But there came a point when his heart was so proud and his spirit so haughty that he acted arrogantly; he lost his royal throne and was stripped of his royal honors. 21 He was driven away from all that is human, and he took on the base instincts of an animal; he lived in the company of wild donkeys and bent over to eat grass like the oxen; every night the dew of heaven fell heavy on his body and made him wet until he learned his lesson and acknowledged that the Most High God is the true sovereign over all earthly kingdoms, and He grants authority to anyone He wishes.

22 But even though you knew all this, you, Belshazzar, his descendant, have followed in his ways and not lived humbly. 23 On the contrary, you have risen up against the true Lord of heaven. By demanding that the sacred vessels from His temple be brought before you and having you, your officials, your wives, and your concubines drink from them, you have issued a challenge you cannot win. You have made toasts and offered praise to the idols crafted in silver and gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone—idols which cannot see you, hear you, or know anything at all. And you have failed to honor in all you do the one True God who holds the breath of life in the palm of His hand and makes possible all your days. 24 He is the one who sent this hand and inscribed this message on the wall, 25 and this is what the inscription says: “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN.”

The cryptic word play is short and sweet. MENE, MENE; TEKEL; PARSIN: Numbered, numbered (your days); weighed (deficiently); divided (your empire).

26 Here is what these words mean: MENE: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end; 27 TEKEL: You have been weighed on the scales and found defective; 28 PERES: Your kingdom has been divided and handed over to the Medes and Persians.”

29 True to his word, Belshazzar gave the order and Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and the king proclaimed that he ascend in rank and privilege to be the third-highest-ranking ruler in the kingdom.

30 That very night, under the cloak of darkness, Belshazzar, the Chaldean king of Babylonia, was killed. 31 Then Darius the Mede, in his 62nd year, gained control of the kingdom.

Footnotes:

  1. 5:3 Other manuscripts add, “and silver.”
The Voice (VOICE)

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.

2 Peter 2

Just as false prophets rose up in the past among God’s people, false teachers will rise up in the future among you. They will slip in with their destructive opinions, denying the very Master who bought their freedom and dooming themselves to destruction swiftly, but not before they attract others by their unbridled and immoral behavior. Because of them and their ways, others will criticize and condemn the path of truth we walk as seedy and disreputable. These false teachers will follow their greed and exploit you with their fabrications, but be assured that their judgment was pronounced long ago and their destruction does not sleep.

New Testament writers warn the church to watch out for false teachers. Peter faults them primarily for their immoral lifestyles rather than for doctrinal differences.

For God did not spare the heavenly beings who sinned, but He cast them into the dark pits[a] of hell[b] to be kept until the time of judgment; and He did not spare the ancient world, but He sent a flood swirling over the ungodly (although He did save Noah, God’s herald for what is right, with seven other members of his family); and God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, reducing them to ash as a lesson of what He will do with the ungodly in the days to come 7-8 (although again He did rescue Lot, a person who did what was right in God’s eyes and who was distressed by the immorality and the lawlessness of the society around him. Day after day, the sights and sounds of their lawlessness were like daggers into that good man’s soul). If all this happened in the past, it shows clearly the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from their trials and how to hold the wicked in punishment until the day of judgment.

Is God different in the New Testament from what He is in the First Testament? In the First Testament, God seems prone to judgment; but some feel God is more concerned about love in the New Testament. However, the central and most repeated affirmation about God’s character in the First Testament is that He is gracious and compassionate (Exodus 34:6–7). And the New Testament clearly does not ignore the idea of God’s judgment, as this text shows. His judgment will come, but it is delayed by God’s patient mercy.

10 And above all, it shows He will punish those who let the desires of their bodies rule them and who have no respect for authority. People like this are so bold and willful that they aren’t even afraid of offending heavenly beings, 11 although the heavenly messengers—in spite of the fact that they have greater strength and power—make no such accusations against these people before the Lord. 12 These people who speak ill of what they do not understand are no different from animals—without sense, operating only on their instincts, born to be captured and killed—and they will be destroyed just like those animals, 13 receiving the penalty for their evil acts. They waste their days in parties and carousing. As they feast with you, these stains and blemishes on your community are feasting on their deceptions.[c] 14 Their eyes are always looking for their next adulterous conquests; their appetites for sin cannot be satisfied. They seduce the unwary soul, and greed is the only lesson they have learned by heart. God’s curse lies upon them. 15 They have veered off the right road and gotten lost, following in the steps of Balaam, the son of Beor, the false prophet. Balaam loved the reward he could get by doing evil, 16 but he was rebuked for crossing the line into sin; his own speechless donkey scolded him in a human voice, an amazing miracle that reined in the prophet’s insanity.[d]

17 These people I’m talking about are nothing but dried-up springs, mists driven by fierce winds; the deepest darkness has been set aside for them. 18 They speak in loud voices empty and arrogant. They exploit the desires of the flesh, take advantage of sensual natures, to entangle people who have just escaped from those who live by deception. 19 They claim to offer them freedom, but they themselves are enslaved by corruption because whatever a person gives in to soon becomes his master. 20 Those who have been pulled out of the cesspool of worldly desires through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Anointed One, yet have found themselves mired in it again are worse off than they were before. 21 They would have been better off never knowing the way of righteousness than to have known it and then abandoned the sacred commandment they had previously received and dived back into the muck! 22 In their cases, the words from Proverbs hold true: “The dog goes back to his own vomit,”[e] and as the Greeks say, “The sow is washed to wallow in the mud.”

Footnotes:

  1. 2:4 Other manuscripts read “into chains of darkness.”
  2. 2:4 Literally, Tartarus
  3. 2:13 Other manuscripts read “in their love feasts.”
  4. 2:16 Numbers 22–24
  5. 2:22 Proverbs 26:11
The Voice (VOICE)

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.

Psalm 119:113-128

Samekh

113 I despise those who waver back and forth,
but I love Your teachings.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield of protection;
I hope in Your word.
115 Away from me, reprobates!
I am committed to observing the commands of my God.
116 Support me in keeping with Your promise, O God, so that I may live;
do not let my hope turn into shame.
117 Help me so that I will be safe,
and I will respect Your laws continually.
118 You have rejected all those who stray from Your commands
because their fraudulent lifestyles are cunning and empty.
119 You have discarded all the wicked from the land, skimmed them off like dross;
that’s why I love Your testimonies.
120 My body shakes because of my fear of You,
and I am in awe of Your wise rulings.

Ayin

121 I have lived with fairness and integrity;
do not leave me at the mercy of my tormenters.
122 Provide security and protection for Your servant’s welfare;
do not let the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes are strained as I look for Your salvation
and for Your righteous promise to be fulfilled.
124 Treat Your servant in a manner that shows Your unfailing love,
and help me to learn Your decrees.
125 I am Your servant; impart to me understanding
so that I may fully grasp the depths of Your statutes.
126 It is time for the Eternal to step in and do something
because some have broken Your law.
127 Indeed, I love Your commands
more than gold, even more than the highest quality gold.
128 It’s true that I regard all Your guidance to be correct and good;
I despise every deceptive path.

The Voice (VOICE)

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.

Proverbs 28:19-20

19 Whoever cultivates his land will have plenty of food in the harvest,
but whoever cultivates worthless ventures will have poverty in abundance.

20 A reliable person will not escape blessings,
but one who wants to get rich quick will not escape trouble.

The Voice (VOICE)

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.

The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Wednesday November 27, 2024 (NIV)

Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Tree

[a]King Nebuchadnezzar,

To the nations and peoples of every language,(A) who live in all the earth:

May you prosper greatly!(B)

It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs(C) and wonders that the Most High God(D) has performed for me.

How great are his signs,
how mighty his wonders!(E)
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;
his dominion endures(F) from generation to generation.

I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented(G) and prosperous. I had a dream(H) that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed,(I) the images and visions that passed through my mind(J) terrified me.(K) So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret(L) the dream for me. When the magicians,(M) enchanters, astrologers[b] and diviners(N) came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me.(O) Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar,(P) after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods(Q) is in him.)

I said, “Belteshazzar, chief(R) of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods(S) is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me. 10 These are the visions I saw while lying in bed:(T) I looked, and there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous.(U) 11 The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth.(V) 12 Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches;(W) from it every creature was fed.

13 “In the visions I saw while lying in bed,(X) I looked, and there before me was a holy one,(Y) a messenger,[c] coming down from heaven. 14 He called in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree(Z) and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches.(AA) 15 But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field.

“‘Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. 16 Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times[d] pass by for him.(AB)

17 “‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High(AC) is sovereign(AD) over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest(AE) of people.’

18 “This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me.(AF) But you can,(AG) because the spirit of the holy gods(AH) is in you.”(AI)

Daniel Interprets the Dream

19 Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified(AJ) him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.”(AK)

Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries! 20 The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth, 21 with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds(AL) 22 Your Majesty, you are that tree!(AM) You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth.(AN)

23 “Your Majesty saw a holy one,(AO) a messenger, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live with the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.’(AP)

24 “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree(AQ) the Most High has issued against my lord the king: 25 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched(AR) with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High(AS) is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.(AT) 26 The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots(AU) means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.(AV) 27 Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed.(AW) It may be that then your prosperity(AX) will continue.(AY)

The Dream Is Fulfilled

28 All this happened(AZ) to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory(BA) of my majesty?”(BB)

31 Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you.(BC) 32 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.”(BD)

33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched(BE) with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.(BF)

34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity(BG) was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.(BH)

His dominion is an eternal dominion;
his kingdom(BI) endures from generation to generation.(BJ)
35 All the peoples of the earth
are regarded as nothing.(BK)
He does as he pleases(BL)
with the powers of heaven
and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back(BM) his hand(BN)
or say to him: “What have you done?”(BO)

36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom.(BP) My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt(BQ) and glorify(BR) the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just.(BS) And those who walk in pride(BT) he is able to humble.(BU)

Footnotes:

  1. Daniel 4:1 In Aramaic texts 4:1-3 is numbered 3:31-33, and 4:4-37 is numbered 4:1-34.
  2. Daniel 4:7 Or Chaldeans
  3. Daniel 4:13 Or watchman; also in verses 17 and 23
  4. Daniel 4:16 Or years; also in verses 23, 25 and 32

Cross references:

  1. Daniel 4:1 : S Da 3:4
  2. Daniel 4:1 : Da 6:25
  3. Daniel 4:2 : Ps 74:9
  4. Daniel 4:2 : S Da 3:26
  5. Daniel 4:3 : S Ps 105:27; Da 6:27
  6. Daniel 4:3 : Da 2:44
  7. Daniel 4:4 : Ps 30:6; S Isa 32:9
  8. Daniel 4:5 : S Da 2:1
  9. Daniel 4:5 : Ps 4:4
  10. Daniel 4:5 : Da 2:28
  11. Daniel 4:5 : ver 19; S Ge 41:8; S Job 3:26; Da 2:3; 5:6
  12. Daniel 4:6 : Da 2:2
  13. Daniel 4:7 : S Ge 41:8
  14. Daniel 4:7 : S Isa 44:25; S Da 2:2
  15. Daniel 4:7 : S Da 2:10
  16. Daniel 4:8 : S Da 1:7
  17. Daniel 4:8 : S Ge 41:38
  18. Daniel 4:9 : Da 2:48
  19. Daniel 4:9 : Da 5:11-12
  20. Daniel 4:10 : S ver 5; Ps 4:4
  21. Daniel 4:10 : Eze 31:3-4
  22. Daniel 4:11 : S Eze 19:11; 31:5
  23. Daniel 4:12 : S Eze 17:23; S Mt 13:32
  24. Daniel 4:13 : ver 10; Da 7:1
  25. Daniel 4:13 : S ver 23; S Dt 33:2
  26. Daniel 4:14 : S Job 24:20
  27. Daniel 4:14 : S Eze 31:12; S Mt 3:10
  28. Daniel 4:16 : ver 23, 32
  29. Daniel 4:17 : ver 2, 25; Ps 83:18
  30. Daniel 4:17 : S Ps 103:19; Jer 27:5-7; Da 2:21; 5:18-21; Ro 13:1
  31. Daniel 4:17 : Da 11:21; Mt 23:12
  32. Daniel 4:18 : S Ge 41:8; Da 5:8, 15
  33. Daniel 4:18 : S Ge 41:15
  34. Daniel 4:18 : S Ge 41:38
  35. Daniel 4:18 : ver 7-9; S Da 1:20
  36. Daniel 4:19 : S ver 5; S Ge 41:8; Da 7:15, 28; 8:27; 10:16-17
  37. Daniel 4:19 : S Ge 40:12
  38. Daniel 4:21 : S Eze 31:6
  39. Daniel 4:22 : S 2Sa 12:7
  40. Daniel 4:22 : Jer 27:7; Da 5:18-19
  41. Daniel 4:23 : ver 13; Da 8:13
  42. Daniel 4:23 : S Eze 31:3-4; Da 5:21
  43. Daniel 4:24 : Job 40:12; Ps 107:40; Jer 40:2
  44. Daniel 4:25 : S Job 24:8
  45. Daniel 4:25 : S ver 17
  46. Daniel 4:25 : Jer 27:5; S Da 2:47; 5:21
  47. Daniel 4:26 : ver 15
  48. Daniel 4:26 : S Da 2:37
  49. Daniel 4:27 : Isa 55:6-7
  50. Daniel 4:27 : Jer 29:7
  51. Daniel 4:27 : S Dt 24:13; 1Ki 21:29; S Ps 41:3; S Pr 28:13; S Eze 18:22
  52. Daniel 4:28 : Nu 23:19
  53. Daniel 4:30 : Isa 13:19
  54. Daniel 4:30 : S Isa 10:13; S 37:24-25; Da 5:20; Hab 1:11; 2:4
  55. Daniel 4:31 : S 2Sa 22:28; Da 5:20
  56. Daniel 4:32 : S Job 9:12
  57. Daniel 4:33 : S Job 24:8
  58. Daniel 4:33 : Da 5:20-21
  59. Daniel 4:34 : S Job 12:20
  60. Daniel 4:34 : Da 12:7
  61. Daniel 4:34 : Isa 37:16
  62. Daniel 4:34 : Ps 145:13; S Da 2:44; 5:21; 6:26; Lk 1:33
  63. Daniel 4:35 : S Isa 40:17
  64. Daniel 4:35 : Dt 21:8; Ps 115:3; S 135:6; Jnh 1:14
  65. Daniel 4:35 : S Isa 14:27
  66. Daniel 4:35 : S Dt 32:39
  67. Daniel 4:35 : S Job 9:4; S Isa 14:24; S 45:9; Da 5:21; Ro 9:20
  68. Daniel 4:36 : S Pr 22:4; Da 5:18
  69. Daniel 4:37 : S Ex 15:2
  70. Daniel 4:37 : S Ps 34:3
  71. Daniel 4:37 : Dt 32:4; Ps 33:4-5
  72. Daniel 4:37 : Ps 18:27; S 119:21
  73. Daniel 4:37 : S Job 31:4; 40:11-12; S Isa 13:11; Da 5:20, 23; Mt 23:12
New International Version (NIV)

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2 Peter 1

Simon Peter, a servant(A) and apostle of Jesus Christ,(B)

To those who through the righteousness(C) of our God and Savior Jesus Christ(D) have received a faith as precious as ours:

Grace and peace be yours in abundance(E) through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.(F)

Confirming One’s Calling and Election

His divine power(G) has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him(H) who called us(I) by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises,(J) so that through them you may participate in the divine nature,(K) having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.(L)

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;(M) and to knowledge, self-control;(N) and to self-control, perseverance;(O) and to perseverance, godliness;(P) and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.(Q) For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive(R) in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.(S) But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,(T) forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.(U)

10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] make every effort to confirm your calling(V) and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,(W) 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom(X) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.(Y)

Prophecy of Scripture

12 So I will always remind you of these things,(Z) even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth(AA) you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory(AB) as long as I live in the tent of this body,(AC) 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside,(AD) as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.(AE) 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure(AF) you will always be able to remember these things.

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power,(AG) but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.(AH) 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”[b](AI) 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.(AJ)

19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable,(AK) and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light(AL) shining in a dark place, until the day dawns(AM) and the morning star(AN) rises in your hearts.(AO) 20 Above all, you must understand(AP) that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God(AQ) as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.(AR)

Footnotes:

  1. 2 Peter 1:10 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.
  2. 2 Peter 1:17 Matt. 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Psalm 119:97-112

מ Mem

97 Oh, how I love your law!(A)
I meditate(B) on it all day long.
98 Your commands are always with me
and make me wiser(C) than my enemies.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.(D)
100 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.(E)
101 I have kept my feet(F) from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.(G)
102 I have not departed from your laws,(H)
for you yourself have taught(I) me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey(J) to my mouth!(K)
104 I gain understanding(L) from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.(M)

נ Nun

105 Your word is a lamp(N) for my feet,
a light(O) on my path.
106 I have taken an oath(P) and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.(Q)
107 I have suffered much;
preserve my life,(R) Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,(S)
and teach me your laws.(T)
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,(U)
I will not forget(V) your law.
110 The wicked have set a snare(W) for me,
but I have not strayed(X) from your precepts.
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.(Y)
112 My heart is set(Z) on keeping your decrees
to the very end.[a](AA)

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 119:112 Or decrees / for their enduring reward
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Proverbs 28:17-18

17 Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder
will seek refuge(A) in the grave;
let no one hold them back.

18 The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe,(B)
but the one whose ways are perverse will fall(C) into the pit.[a]

Footnotes:

  1. Proverbs 28:18 Syriac (see Septuagint); Hebrew into one
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Tuesday November 26, 2024 (NIV)

Daniel 2:24-3:30

Daniel Interprets the Dream

24 Then Daniel went to Arioch,(A) whom the king had appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him.”

25 Arioch took Daniel to the king at once and said, “I have found a man among the exiles(B) from Judah(C) who can tell the king what his dream means.”

26 The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar),(D) “Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?”

27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about,(E) 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.(F) He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come.(G) Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind(H) as you were lying in bed(I) are these:(J)

29 “As Your Majesty was lying there, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen.(K) 30 As for me, this mystery has been revealed(L) to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else alive, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind.

31 “Your Majesty looked, and there before you stood a large statue—an enormous, dazzling statue,(M) awesome(N) in appearance. 32 The head of the statue was made of pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay. 34 While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands.(O) It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed(P) them.(Q) 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were all broken to pieces and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind swept them away(R) without leaving a trace. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain(S) and filled the whole earth.(T)

36 “This was the dream, and now we will interpret it to the king.(U) 37 Your Majesty, you are the king of kings.(V) The God of heaven has given you dominion(W) and power and might and glory; 38 in your hands he has placed all mankind and the beasts of the field and the birds in the sky. Wherever they live, he has made you ruler over them all.(X) You are that head of gold.

39 “After you, another kingdom will arise, inferior to yours. Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule over the whole earth.(Y) 40 Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron—for iron breaks and smashes everything—and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it will crush and break all the others.(Z) 41 Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom; yet it will have some of the strength of iron in it, even as you saw iron mixed with clay. 42 As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. 43 And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay.

44 “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush(AA) all those kingdoms(AB) and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.(AC) 45 This is the meaning of the vision of the rock(AD) cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands(AE)—a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces.

“The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future.(AF) The dream is true(AG) and its interpretation is trustworthy.”

46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate(AH) before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering(AI) and incense be presented to him. 47 The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods(AJ) and the Lord of kings(AK) and a revealer of mysteries,(AL) for you were able to reveal this mystery.(AM)

48 Then the king placed Daniel in a high(AN) position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men.(AO) 49 Moreover, at Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon,(AP) while Daniel himself remained at the royal court.(AQ)

The Image of Gold and the Blazing Furnace

King Nebuchadnezzar made an image(AR) of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide,[a] and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. He then summoned the satraps,(AS) prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials(AT) to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.

Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language,(AU) this is what you are commanded to do: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp,(AV) pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image(AW) of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.(AX) Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”(AY)

Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.(AZ)

At this time some astrologers[b](BA) came forward and denounced the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever!(BB) 10 Your Majesty has issued a decree(BC) that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold,(BD) 11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego(BE)—who pay no attention(BF) to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”(BG)

13 Furious(BH) with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods(BI) or worship the image(BJ) of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god(BK) will be able to rescue(BL) you from my hand?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego(BM) replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver(BN) us from it, and he will deliver(BO) us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.(BP)

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven(BQ) times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego(BR) and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego,(BS) 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”

They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”

25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God,(BT) come out! Come here!”

So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers(BU) crowded around them.(BV) They saw that the fire(BW) had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel(BX) and rescued(BY) his servants! They trusted(BZ) in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.(CA) 29 Therefore I decree(CB) that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble,(CC) for no other god can save(CD) in this way.”

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.(CE)

Footnotes:

  1. Daniel 3:1 That is, about 90 feet high and 9 feet wide or about 27 meters high and 2.7 meters wide
  2. Daniel 3:8 Or Chaldeans
  3. Daniel 3:17 Or If the God we serve is able to deliver us, then he will deliver us from the blazing furnace and

Cross references:

  1. Daniel 2:24 : ver 14
  2. Daniel 2:25 : S Dt 21:10
  3. Daniel 2:25 : S Da 1:6; 5:13; 6:13
  4. Daniel 2:26 : S Da 1:7
  5. Daniel 2:27 : S ver 10; S Ge 41:8
  6. Daniel 2:28 : S Ge 40:8; Jer 10:7; Am 4:13
  7. Daniel 2:28 : S Ge 49:1; Da 10:14; Mt 24:6; Rev 1:1; 22:6
  8. Daniel 2:28 : Da 4:5
  9. Daniel 2:28 : S Ps 4:4
  10. Daniel 2:28 : S Eze 28:3; S Da 1:20
  11. Daniel 2:29 : S Ge 41:25
  12. Daniel 2:30 : Isa 45:3; S Da 1:17; Am 4:13
  13. Daniel 2:31 : Hab 1:7
  14. Daniel 2:31 : Isa 25:3-5
  15. Daniel 2:34 : S Job 12:19; Zec 4:6
  16. Daniel 2:34 : S Job 34:24
  17. Daniel 2:34 : ver 44-45; Ps 2:9; S Isa 60:12; Da 8:25
  18. Daniel 2:35 : Ps 1:4; 37:10; S Isa 17:13; 41:15-16
  19. Daniel 2:35 : Isa 2:3; Mic 4:1
  20. Daniel 2:35 : Zec 12:3
  21. Daniel 2:36 : S Ge 40:12
  22. Daniel 2:37 : S Ezr 7:12
  23. Daniel 2:37 : S Jer 27:7; Da 4:26
  24. Daniel 2:38 : S Jer 27:6; Da 4:21-22; 5:18
  25. Daniel 2:39 : Da 7:5
  26. Daniel 2:40 : Da 7:7, 23
  27. Daniel 2:44 : S Ge 27:29; Ps 2:9; S 110:5; Mt 21:43-44; 1Co 15:24
  28. Daniel 2:44 : S 1Sa 9:20; Hag 2:22
  29. Daniel 2:44 : Ps 145:13; S Isa 9:7; Da 4:34; 6:26; 7:14, 27; Ob 1:21; Mic 4:7, 13; S Lk 1:33; Rev 11:15
  30. Daniel 2:45 : S Isa 28:16
  31. Daniel 2:45 : Da 8:25
  32. Daniel 2:45 : S Ge 41:25
  33. Daniel 2:45 : Rev 22:6
  34. Daniel 2:46 : Da 8:17; Ac 10:25
  35. Daniel 2:46 : Ac 14:13
  36. Daniel 2:47 : S Dt 10:17; Da 11:36
  37. Daniel 2:47 : Da 4:25; 1Ti 6:15
  38. Daniel 2:47 : S ver 22, 28
  39. Daniel 2:47 : Da 4:9; 1Co 14:25
  40. Daniel 2:48 : S 2Ki 25:28
  41. Daniel 2:48 : S ver 6; S Est 8:2; S Da 1:20; 4:9; 5:11; 8:27
  42. Daniel 2:49 : S Da 1:7; 3:30
  43. Daniel 2:49 : Da 6:2
  44. Daniel 3:1 : ver 14; S Isa 46:6; Jer 16:20; Hab 2:19
  45. Daniel 3:2 : S Est 1:1
  46. Daniel 3:2 : ver 27; Da 6:7
  47. Daniel 3:4 : Da 4:1; 6:25; Rev 10:11
  48. Daniel 3:5 : S Ge 4:21
  49. Daniel 3:5 : Rev 13:12
  50. Daniel 3:5 : ver 10, 15
  51. Daniel 3:6 : ver 11, 15, 21; Jer 29:22; Da 5:19; 6:7; Mt 13:42, 50; Rev 13:15
  52. Daniel 3:7 : S ver 5
  53. Daniel 3:8 : S Isa 19:3; S Da 2:10
  54. Daniel 3:9 : S Ne 2:3; Da 5:10; 6:6
  55. Daniel 3:10 : Da 6:12
  56. Daniel 3:10 : ver 4-6
  57. Daniel 3:12 : S Da 2:49
  58. Daniel 3:12 : Da 6:13
  59. Daniel 3:12 : S Est 3:3
  60. Daniel 3:13 : S Da 2:12
  61. Daniel 3:14 : Isa 46:1; Jer 50:2
  62. Daniel 3:14 : S ver 1
  63. Daniel 3:15 : S Isa 36:18-20
  64. Daniel 3:15 : S 2Ch 32:15
  65. Daniel 3:16 : S Da 1:7
  66. Daniel 3:17 : S Ge 48:16; S Ps 18:48; 27:1-2
  67. Daniel 3:17 : S Job 5:19; Jer 1:8; Da 6:20
  68. Daniel 3:18 : ver 28; S Ex 1:17; S Jos 24:15
  69. Daniel 3:19 : Lev 26:18-28
  70. Daniel 3:20 : S Da 1:7
  71. Daniel 3:22 : S Da 1:7
  72. Daniel 3:26 : Da 4:2, 34
  73. Daniel 3:27 : ver 2; Da 6:7
  74. Daniel 3:27 : Ps 91:3-11; S Isa 43:2; Heb 11:32-34
  75. Daniel 3:27 : Da 6:23
  76. Daniel 3:28 : S Ps 34:7; Da 6:22; Ac 5:19
  77. Daniel 3:28 : S Ps 97:10; Ac 12:11
  78. Daniel 3:28 : S Dt 31:20; S Job 13:15; S Ps 26:1; 84:12
  79. Daniel 3:28 : S ver 18
  80. Daniel 3:29 : Da 6:26
  81. Daniel 3:29 : S Ezr 6:11
  82. Daniel 3:29 : Da 6:27
  83. Daniel 3:30 : S Da 2:49
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

1 Peter 4:7-5:14

The end of all things is near.(A) Therefore be alert and of sober mind(B) so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply,(C) because love covers over a multitude of sins.(D) Offer hospitality(E) to one another without grumbling.(F) 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,(G) as faithful(H) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.(I) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,(J) so that in all things God may be praised(K) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.(L)

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you(M) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice(N) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,(O) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.(P) 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,(Q) you are blessed,(R) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.(S) 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;(T) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(U) 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a](V)

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will(W) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

To the Elders and the Flock

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder(X) and a witness(Y) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:(Z) Be shepherds of God’s flock(AA) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;(AB) not pursuing dishonest gain,(AC) but eager to serve; not lording it over(AD) those entrusted to you, but being examples(AE) to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd(AF) appears, you will receive the crown of glory(AG) that will never fade away.(AH)

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves(AI) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility(AJ) toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”[b](AK)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.(AL) Cast all your anxiety on him(AM) because he cares for you.(AN)

Be alert and of sober mind.(AO) Your enemy the devil prowls around(AP) like a roaring lion(AQ) looking for someone to devour. Resist him,(AR) standing firm in the faith,(AS) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.(AT)

10 And the God of all grace, who called you(AU) to his eternal glory(AV) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,(AW) will himself restore you and make you strong,(AX) firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.(AY)

Final Greetings

12 With the help of Silas,[c](AZ) whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly,(BA) encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.(BB)

13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.(BC) 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.(BD)

Peace(BE) to all of you who are in Christ.

Footnotes:

  1. 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)
  2. 1 Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34
  3. 1 Peter 5:12 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas

Cross references:

  1. 1 Peter 4:7 : S Ro 13:11
  2. 1 Peter 4:7 : S Ac 24:25
  3. 1 Peter 4:8 : S 1Pe 1:22
  4. 1 Peter 4:8 : Pr 10:12; Jas 5:20
  5. 1 Peter 4:9 : S Ro 12:13
  6. 1 Peter 4:9 : Php 2:14
  7. 1 Peter 4:10 : Ro 12:6, 7
  8. 1 Peter 4:10 : 1Co 4:2
  9. 1 Peter 4:11 : 1Th 2:4
  10. 1 Peter 4:11 : Eph 6:10
  11. 1 Peter 4:11 : 1Co 10:31
  12. 1 Peter 4:11 : S Ro 11:36
  13. 1 Peter 4:12 : 1Pe 1:6, 7
  14. 1 Peter 4:13 : S Mt 5:12
  15. 1 Peter 4:13 : S 2Co 1:5
  16. 1 Peter 4:13 : Ro 8:17; 1Pe 1:7; 5:1
  17. 1 Peter 4:14 : S Jn 15:21
  18. 1 Peter 4:14 : Mt 5:11
  19. 1 Peter 4:16 : Ac 5:41
  20. 1 Peter 4:17 : Jer 25:29; Eze 9:6; Am 3:2; 1Ti 3:15
  21. 1 Peter 4:17 : 2Th 1:8
  22. 1 Peter 4:18 : Pr 11:31; Lk 23:31
  23. 1 Peter 4:19 : 1Pe 2:15; 3:17
  24. 1 Peter 5:1 : S Ac 11:30
  25. 1 Peter 5:1 : S Lk 24:48
  26. 1 Peter 5:1 : 1Pe 1:5, 7; 4:13; Rev 1:9
  27. 1 Peter 5:2 : S Jn 21:16
  28. 1 Peter 5:2 : 2Co 9:7; Phm 14
  29. 1 Peter 5:2 : S 1Ti 3:3
  30. 1 Peter 5:3 : Eze 34:4; Mt 20:25-28
  31. 1 Peter 5:3 : S 1Ti 4:12
  32. 1 Peter 5:4 : S Jn 10:11
  33. 1 Peter 5:4 : S 1Co 9:25
  34. 1 Peter 5:4 : 1Pe 1:4
  35. 1 Peter 5:5 : Eph 5:21
  36. 1 Peter 5:5 : 1Pe 3:8
  37. 1 Peter 5:5 : Pr 3:34; S Mt 23:12
  38. 1 Peter 5:6 : Job 5:11; Jas 4:10
  39. 1 Peter 5:7 : Ps 37:5; Mt 6:25
  40. 1 Peter 5:7 : Ps 55:22; Heb 13:5
  41. 1 Peter 5:8 : S Ac 24:25
  42. 1 Peter 5:8 : Job 1:7
  43. 1 Peter 5:8 : 2Ti 4:17
  44. 1 Peter 5:9 : S Jas 4:7
  45. 1 Peter 5:9 : Col 2:5
  46. 1 Peter 5:9 : S Ac 14:22
  47. 1 Peter 5:10 : S Ro 8:28
  48. 1 Peter 5:10 : 2Co 4:17; 2Ti 2:10
  49. 1 Peter 5:10 : 1Pe 1:6
  50. 1 Peter 5:10 : Ps 18:32; 2Th 2:17
  51. 1 Peter 5:11 : S Ro 11:36
  52. 1 Peter 5:12 : S Ac 15:22
  53. 1 Peter 5:12 : Heb 13:22
  54. 1 Peter 5:12 : S 1Co 16:13
  55. 1 Peter 5:13 : S Ac 12:12
  56. 1 Peter 5:14 : S Ro 16:16
  57. 1 Peter 5:14 : S Eph 6:23
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Psalm 119:81-96

כ Kaph

81 My soul faints(A) with longing for your salvation,(B)
but I have put my hope(C) in your word.
82 My eyes fail,(D) looking for your promise;(E)
I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget(F) your decrees.
84 How long(G) must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?(H)
85 The arrogant(I) dig pits(J) to trap me,
contrary to your law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy;(K)
help me,(L) for I am being persecuted(M) without cause.(N)
87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken(O) your precepts.
88 In your unfailing love(P) preserve my life,(Q)
that I may obey the statutes(R) of your mouth.

ל Lamedh

89 Your word, Lord, is eternal;(S)
it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness(T) continues through all generations;(U)
you established the earth, and it endures.(V)
91 Your laws endure(W) to this day,
for all things serve you.(X)
92 If your law had not been my delight,(Y)
I would have perished in my affliction.(Z)
93 I will never forget(AA) your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.(AB)
94 Save me,(AC) for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.(AD)
95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me,(AE)
but I will ponder your statutes.(AF)
96 To all perfection I see a limit,
but your commands are boundless.(AG)

New International Version (NIV)

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Proverbs 28:15-16

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

16 A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,
but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.

New International Version (NIV)

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The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Monday November 25, 2024 (NIV)

Daniel 1:1-2:23

Daniel’s Training in Babylon

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim(A) king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar(B) king of Babylon(C) came to Jerusalem and besieged it.(D) And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried(E) off to the temple of his god in Babylonia[a] and put in the treasure house of his god.(F)

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility(G) young men without any physical defect, handsome,(H) showing aptitude for every kind of learning,(I) well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language(J) and literature of the Babylonians.[b] The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine(K) from the king’s table.(L) They were to be trained for three years,(M) and after that they were to enter the king’s service.(N)

Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel,(O) Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.(P) The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar;(Q) to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.(R)

But Daniel resolved not to defile(S) himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor(T) and compassion(U) to Daniel, 10 but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your[c] food and drink.(V) Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.”

11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 “Please test(W) your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.”(X) 14 So he agreed to this and tested(Y) them for ten days.

15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.(Z) 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.(AA)

17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding(AB) of all kinds of literature and learning.(AC) And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.(AD)

18 At the end of the time(AE) set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service.(AF) 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians(AG) and enchanters in his whole kingdom.(AH)

21 And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.(AI)

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams;(AJ) his mind was troubled(AK) and he could not sleep.(AL) So the king summoned the magicians,(AM) enchanters, sorcerers(AN) and astrologers[d](AO) to tell him what he had dreamed.(AP) When they came in and stood before the king, he said to them, “I have had a dream that troubles(AQ) me and I want to know what it means.[e]

Then the astrologers answered the king,[f](AR) “May the king live forever!(AS) Tell your servants the dream, and we will interpret it.”

The king replied to the astrologers, “This is what I have firmly decided:(AT) If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into pieces(AU) and your houses turned into piles of rubble.(AV) But if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor.(AW) So tell me the dream and interpret it for me.”

Once more they replied, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will interpret it.”

Then the king answered, “I am certain that you are trying to gain time, because you realize that this is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me the dream, there is only one penalty(AX) for you. You have conspired to tell me misleading and wicked things, hoping the situation will change. So then, tell me the dream, and I will know that you can interpret it for me.”(AY)

10 The astrologers(AZ) answered the king, “There is no one on earth who can do what the king asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or astrologer.(BA) 11 What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods,(BB) and they do not live among humans.”

12 This made the king so angry and furious(BC) that he ordered the execution(BD) of all the wise men of Babylon. 13 So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death.(BE)

14 When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. 15 He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. 16 At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.

17 Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.(BF) 18 He urged them to plead for mercy(BG) from the God of heaven(BH) concerning this mystery,(BI) so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery(BJ) was revealed to Daniel in a vision.(BK) Then Daniel praised the God of heaven(BL) 20 and said:

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;(BM)
wisdom and power(BN) are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;(BO)
he deposes(BP) kings and raises up others.(BQ)
He gives wisdom(BR) to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.(BS)
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;(BT)
he knows what lies in darkness,(BU)
and light(BV) dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:(BW)
You have given me wisdom(BX) and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.(BY)

Footnotes:

  1. Daniel 1:2 Hebrew Shinar
  2. Daniel 1:4 Or Chaldeans
  3. Daniel 1:10 The Hebrew for your and you in this verse is plural.
  4. Daniel 2:2 Or Chaldeans; also in verses 4, 5 and 10
  5. Daniel 2:3 Or was
  6. Daniel 2:4 At this point the Hebrew text has in Aramaic, indicating that the text from here through the end of chapter 7 is in Aramaic.

Cross references:

  1. Daniel 1:1 : S Jer 46:2
  2. Daniel 1:1 : S 2Ki 24:1; S Jer 28:14
  3. Daniel 1:1 : Jer 50:1
  4. Daniel 1:1 : 2Ki 24:1; S 2Ch 36:6; Jer 35:11
  5. Daniel 1:2 : S 2Ki 24:13
  6. Daniel 1:2 : S 2Ch 36:7; Jer 27:19-20; Zec 5:5-11
  7. Daniel 1:3 : S 2Ki 20:18; S 24:15; Isa 39:7
  8. Daniel 1:4 : S Ge 39:6
  9. Daniel 1:4 : ver 17
  10. Daniel 1:4 : S Ezr 4:7
  11. Daniel 1:5 : ver 8, 10
  12. Daniel 1:5 : S Est 2:9
  13. Daniel 1:5 : ver 18
  14. Daniel 1:5 : ver 19; S Est 2:5-6
  15. Daniel 1:6 : S Eze 14:14
  16. Daniel 1:6 : Da 2:17, 25
  17. Daniel 1:7 : Da 2:26; 4:8; 5:12; 10:1
  18. Daniel 1:7 : S Isa 39:7; Da 2:49; 3:12
  19. Daniel 1:8 : S Eze 4:13-14
  20. Daniel 1:9 : S Ge 39:21; S Pr 16:7
  21. Daniel 1:9 : S 1Ki 8:50
  22. Daniel 1:10 : ver 5
  23. Daniel 1:12 : Rev 2:10
  24. Daniel 1:13 : ver 16
  25. Daniel 1:14 : Rev 2:10
  26. Daniel 1:15 : Ex 23:25
  27. Daniel 1:16 : ver 12-13
  28. Daniel 1:17 : S Job 12:13
  29. Daniel 1:17 : Da 2:23; Col 1:9; Jas 1:5
  30. Daniel 1:17 : Da 2:19, 30; 5:11; 7:1; 8:1
  31. Daniel 1:18 : ver 5
  32. Daniel 1:19 : S Ge 41:46
  33. Daniel 1:20 : S Ge 41:8
  34. Daniel 1:20 : S 1Ki 4:30; Est 2:15; S Eze 28:3; Da 2:13, 28; 4:18; 6:3
  35. Daniel 1:21 : S 2Ch 36:22; Da 6:28; 10:1
  36. Daniel 2:1 : ver 3; S Ge 20:3; S Job 33:15, 18; Da 4:5
  37. Daniel 2:1 : Ge 41:8
  38. Daniel 2:1 : S Est 6:1
  39. Daniel 2:2 : S Ge 41:8
  40. Daniel 2:2 : Ex 7:11; Jer 27:9
  41. Daniel 2:2 : S ver 10; S Isa 19:3; S 44:25
  42. Daniel 2:2 : Da 4:6
  43. Daniel 2:3 : Da 4:5
  44. Daniel 2:4 : S Ezr 4:7
  45. Daniel 2:4 : S Ne 2:3
  46. Daniel 2:5 : Ge 41:32
  47. Daniel 2:5 : ver 12
  48. Daniel 2:5 : Ezr 6:11; Da 3:29
  49. Daniel 2:6 : ver 48; Da 5:7, 16
  50. Daniel 2:9 : Est 4:11
  51. Daniel 2:9 : Isa 41:22-24
  52. Daniel 2:10 : ver 2; Da 3:8; 4:7
  53. Daniel 2:10 : ver 27; Da 5:8
  54. Daniel 2:11 : S Ge 41:38
  55. Daniel 2:12 : Da 3:13, 19
  56. Daniel 2:12 : ver 5
  57. Daniel 2:13 : S Da 1:20; 5:19
  58. Daniel 2:17 : S Da 1:6
  59. Daniel 2:18 : S Isa 37:4
  60. Daniel 2:18 : Ezr 1:2; Ne 1:4; Jnh 1:9; Rev 11:13
  61. Daniel 2:18 : ver 23; Jer 33:3
  62. Daniel 2:19 : ver 28
  63. Daniel 2:19 : S Job 33:15; S Da 1:17
  64. Daniel 2:19 : S Jos 22:33
  65. Daniel 2:20 : S Ps 113:2; 145:1-2
  66. Daniel 2:20 : S Job 9:4; S Jer 32:19
  67. Daniel 2:21 : Da 7:25
  68. Daniel 2:21 : S Job 12:19; Ps 75:6-7; Ro 13:1
  69. Daniel 2:21 : Da 4:17
  70. Daniel 2:21 : S Ps 119:34; Jas 1:5
  71. Daniel 2:21 : S 2Sa 14:17
  72. Daniel 2:22 : S Ge 40:8; S Job 12:22; Da 5:11; 1Co 2:10
  73. Daniel 2:22 : Job 12:22; Ps 139:11-12; Jer 23:24; S Heb 4:13
  74. Daniel 2:22 : Isa 45:7; Jas 1:17
  75. Daniel 2:23 : S Ge 31:5; S Ex 3:15
  76. Daniel 2:23 : S Da 1:17
  77. Daniel 2:23 : S Eze 28:3
New International Version (NIV)

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1 Peter 3:8-4:6

Suffering for Doing Good

Finally, all of you, be like-minded,(A) be sympathetic, love one another,(B) be compassionate and humble.(C) Do not repay evil with evil(D) or insult with insult.(E) On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,(F) because to this(G) you were called(H) so that you may inherit a blessing.(I) 10 For,

“Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”[a](J)

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?(K) 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.(L) “Do not fear their threats[b]; do not be frightened.”[c](M) 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer(N) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope(O) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience,(P) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.(Q) 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will,(R) to suffer for doing good(S) than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once(T) for sins,(U) the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.(V) He was put to death in the body(W) but made alive in the Spirit.(X) 19 After being made alive,[d] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits(Y) 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently(Z) in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.(AA) In it only a few people, eight in all,(AB) were saved(AC) through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you(AD) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience(AE) toward God.[e] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,(AF) 22 who has gone into heaven(AG) and is at God’s right hand(AH)—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.(AI)

Living for God

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,(AJ) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.(AK) As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,(AL) but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past(AM) doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.(AN) They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.(AO) But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.(AP) For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,(AQ) so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

Footnotes:

  1. 1 Peter 3:12 Psalm 34:12-16
  2. 1 Peter 3:14 Or fear what they fear
  3. 1 Peter 3:14 Isaiah 8:12
  4. 1 Peter 3:19 Or but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also
  5. 1 Peter 3:21 Or but an appeal to God for a clear conscience
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Psalm 119:65-80

ט Teth

65 Do good(A) to your servant
according to your word,(B) Lord.
66 Teach me knowledge(C) and good judgment,
for I trust your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted(D) I went astray,(E)
but now I obey your word.(F)
68 You are good,(G) and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.(H)
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,(I)
I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are callous(J) and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted(K)
so that I might learn your decrees.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.(L)

י Yodh

73 Your hands made me(M) and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you rejoice(N) when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.(O)
75 I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,(P)
and that in faithfulness(Q) you have afflicted me.
76 May your unfailing love(R) be my comfort,
according to your promise(S) to your servant.
77 Let your compassion(T) come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.(U)
78 May the arrogant(V) be put to shame for wronging me without cause;(W)
but I will meditate on your precepts.
79 May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes.(X)
80 May I wholeheartedly follow(Y) your decrees,(Z)
that I may not be put to shame.(AA)

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Proverbs 28:14

14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,
but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

New International Version (NIV)

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The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Sunday November 24, 2024 (NIV)

Ezekiel 47-48

The River From the Temple

47 The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water(A) coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar.(B) He then brought me out through the north gate(C) and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side.

As the man went eastward with a measuring line(D) in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits[a] and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river(E) that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross.(F) He asked me, “Son of man, do you see this?”

Then he led me back to the bank of the river. When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river.(G) He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah,[b](H) where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh.(I) Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live.(J) 10 Fishermen(K) will stand along the shore; from En Gedi(L) to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets.(M) The fish will be of many kinds(N)—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea.(O) 11 But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt.(P) 12 Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river.(Q) Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit(R) fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary(S) flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.(T)

The Boundaries of the Land

13 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “These are the boundaries(U) of the land that you will divide among the twelve tribes of Israel as their inheritance, with two portions for Joseph.(V) 14 You are to divide it equally among them. Because I swore with uplifted hand to give it to your ancestors, this land will become your inheritance.(W)

15 “This is to be the boundary of the land:(X)

“On the north side it will run from the Mediterranean Sea(Y) by the Hethlon road(Z) past Lebo Hamath to Zedad, 16 Berothah[c](AA) and Sibraim (which lies on the border between Damascus and Hamath),(AB) as far as Hazer Hattikon, which is on the border of Hauran. 17 The boundary will extend from the sea to Hazar Enan,[d] along the northern border of Damascus, with the border of Hamath to the north. This will be the northern boundary.(AC)

18 “On the east side the boundary will run between Hauran and Damascus, along the Jordan between Gilead and the land of Israel, to the Dead Sea and as far as Tamar.[e] This will be the eastern boundary.(AD)

19 “On the south side it will run from Tamar as far as the waters of Meribah Kadesh,(AE) then along the Wadi of Egypt(AF) to the Mediterranean Sea.(AG) This will be the southern boundary.

20 “On the west side, the Mediterranean Sea will be the boundary to a point opposite Lebo Hamath.(AH) This will be the western boundary.(AI)

21 “You are to distribute this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. 22 You are to allot it as an inheritance(AJ) for yourselves and for the foreigners(AK) residing among you and who have children. You are to consider them as native-born Israelites; along with you they are to be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.(AL) 23 In whatever tribe a foreigner resides, there you are to give them their inheritance,” declares the Sovereign Lord.(AM)

The Division of the Land

48 “These are the tribes, listed by name: At the northern frontier, Dan(AN) will have one portion; it will follow the Hethlon road(AO) to Lebo Hamath;(AP) Hazar Enan and the northern border of Damascus next to Hamath will be part of its border from the east side to the west side.

“Asher(AQ) will have one portion; it will border the territory of Dan from east to west.

“Naphtali(AR) will have one portion; it will border the territory of Asher from east to west.

“Manasseh(AS) will have one portion; it will border the territory of Naphtali from east to west.

“Ephraim(AT) will have one portion; it will border the territory of Manasseh(AU) from east to west.(AV)

“Reuben(AW) will have one portion; it will border the territory of Ephraim from east to west.

“Judah(AX) will have one portion; it will border the territory of Reuben from east to west.

“Bordering the territory of Judah from east to west will be the portion you are to present as a special gift. It will be 25,000 cubits[f] wide, and its length from east to west will equal one of the tribal portions; the sanctuary will be in the center of it.(AY)

“The special portion you are to offer to the Lord will be 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits[g] wide.(AZ) 10 This will be the sacred portion for the priests. It will be 25,000 cubits long on the north side, 10,000 cubits wide on the west side, 10,000 cubits wide on the east side and 25,000 cubits long on the south side. In the center of it will be the sanctuary of the Lord.(BA) 11 This will be for the consecrated priests, the Zadokites,(BB) who were faithful in serving me(BC) and did not go astray as the Levites did when the Israelites went astray.(BD) 12 It will be a special gift to them from the sacred portion of the land, a most holy portion, bordering the territory of the Levites.

13 “Alongside the territory of the priests, the Levites will have an allotment 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide. Its total length will be 25,000 cubits and its width 10,000 cubits.(BE) 14 They must not sell or exchange any of it. This is the best of the land and must not pass into other hands, because it is holy to the Lord.(BF)

15 “The remaining area, 5,000 cubits[h] wide and 25,000 cubits long, will be for the common use of the city, for houses and for pastureland. The city will be in the center of it 16 and will have these measurements: the north side 4,500 cubits,[i] the south side 4,500 cubits, the east side 4,500 cubits, and the west side 4,500 cubits.(BG) 17 The pastureland for the city will be 250 cubits[j] on the north, 250 cubits on the south, 250 cubits on the east, and 250 cubits on the west. 18 What remains of the area, bordering on the sacred portion and running the length of it, will be 10,000 cubits on the east side and 10,000 cubits on the west side. Its produce will supply food for the workers of the city.(BH) 19 The workers from the city who farm it will come from all the tribes of Israel. 20 The entire portion will be a square, 25,000 cubits on each side. As a special gift you will set aside the sacred portion, along with the property of the city.

21 “What remains on both sides of the area formed by the sacred portion and the property of the city will belong to the prince. It will extend eastward from the 25,000 cubits of the sacred portion to the eastern border, and westward from the 25,000 cubits to the western border. Both these areas running the length of the tribal portions will belong to the prince, and the sacred portion with the temple sanctuary will be in the center of them.(BI) 22 So the property of the Levites and the property of the city will lie in the center of the area that belongs to the prince. The area belonging to the prince will lie between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin.

23 “As for the rest of the tribes: Benjamin(BJ) will have one portion; it will extend from the east side to the west side.

24 “Simeon(BK) will have one portion; it will border the territory of Benjamin from east to west.

25 “Issachar(BL) will have one portion; it will border the territory of Simeon from east to west.

26 “Zebulun(BM) will have one portion; it will border the territory of Issachar from east to west.

27 “Gad(BN) will have one portion; it will border the territory of Zebulun from east to west.

28 “The southern boundary of Gad will run south from Tamar(BO) to the waters of Meribah Kadesh, then along the Wadi of Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea.(BP)

29 “This is the land you are to allot as an inheritance to the tribes of Israel, and these will be their portions,” declares the Sovereign Lord.(BQ)

The Gates of the New City

30 “These will be the exits of the city: Beginning on the north side, which is 4,500 cubits long, 31 the gates of the city will be named after the tribes of Israel. The three gates on the north side will be the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah and the gate of Levi.

32 “On the east side, which is 4,500 cubits long, will be three gates: the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin and the gate of Dan.

33 “On the south side, which measures 4,500 cubits, will be three gates: the gate of Simeon, the gate of Issachar and the gate of Zebulun.

34 “On the west side, which is 4,500 cubits long, will be three gates: the gate of Gad, the gate of Asher and the gate of Naphtali.(BR)

35 “The distance all around will be 18,000 cubits.[k]

“And the name of the city from that time on will be:

the Lord is there.(BS)

Footnotes:

  1. Ezekiel 47:3 That is, about 1,700 feet or about 530 meters
  2. Ezekiel 47:8 Or the Jordan Valley
  3. Ezekiel 47:16 See Septuagint and 48:1; Hebrew road to go into Zedad, 16 Hamath, Berothah.
  4. Ezekiel 47:17 Hebrew Enon, a variant of Enan
  5. Ezekiel 47:18 See Syriac; Hebrew Israel. You will measure to the Dead Sea.
  6. Ezekiel 48:8 That is, about 8 miles or about 13 kilometers; also in verses 9, 10, 13, 15, 20 and 21
  7. Ezekiel 48:9 That is, about 3 1/3 miles or about 5.3 kilometers; also in verses 10, 13 and 18
  8. Ezekiel 48:15 That is, about 1 2/3 miles or about 2.7 kilometers
  9. Ezekiel 48:16 That is, about 1 1/2 miles or about 2.4 kilometers; also in verses 30, 32, 33 and 34
  10. Ezekiel 48:17 That is, about 440 feet or about 135 meters
  11. Ezekiel 48:35 That is, about 6 miles or about 9.5 kilometers

Cross references:

  1. Ezekiel 47:1 : S Isa 55:1
  2. Ezekiel 47:1 : Ps 46:4; Joel 3:18; Rev 22:1
  3. Ezekiel 47:2 : S Eze 40:35
  4. Ezekiel 47:3 : S Eze 40:3
  5. Ezekiel 47:5 : S Ge 2:10
  6. Ezekiel 47:5 : Isa 11:9; Hab 2:14
  7. Ezekiel 47:7 : ver 12; Rev 22:2
  8. Ezekiel 47:8 : S Dt 1:1; S 3:17
  9. Ezekiel 47:8 : Isa 41:18
  10. Ezekiel 47:9 : Isa 12:3; 55:1; Jn 4:14; 7:37-38
  11. Ezekiel 47:10 : S Isa 19:8; Mt 4:19
  12. Ezekiel 47:10 : S Jos 15:62
  13. Ezekiel 47:10 : Eze 26:5
  14. Ezekiel 47:10 : S Ps 104:25; Mt 13:47
  15. Ezekiel 47:10 : S Nu 34:6
  16. Ezekiel 47:11 : S Dt 29:23
  17. Ezekiel 47:12 : ver 7; Rev 22:2
  18. Ezekiel 47:12 : S Ps 1:3
  19. Ezekiel 47:12 : S Isa 55:1
  20. Ezekiel 47:12 : S Ge 2:9; S Jer 17:8; Eze 36:8
  21. Ezekiel 47:13 : Nu 34:2-12
  22. Ezekiel 47:13 : S Ge 48:16; S 49:26
  23. Ezekiel 47:14 : S Ge 12:7; S Dt 1:8; S Eze 36:12
  24. Ezekiel 47:15 : Nu 34:2
  25. Ezekiel 47:15 : ver 19; S Nu 34:6
  26. Ezekiel 47:15 : Eze 48:1
  27. Ezekiel 47:16 : 2Sa 8:8
  28. Ezekiel 47:16 : Nu 13:21; S Jer 49:23; Eze 48:1
  29. Ezekiel 47:17 : Eze 48:1
  30. Ezekiel 47:18 : S Eze 27:18
  31. Ezekiel 47:19 : Dt 32:51
  32. Ezekiel 47:19 : S Ge 15:18; Isa 27:12
  33. Ezekiel 47:19 : S ver 15; Eze 48:28
  34. Ezekiel 47:20 : S Nu 13:21; Eze 48:1
  35. Ezekiel 47:20 : Nu 34:6
  36. Ezekiel 47:22 : S Eze 36:12
  37. Ezekiel 47:22 : S Dt 24:19; S Isa 14:1; Mal 3:5
  38. Ezekiel 47:22 : S Lev 24:22; Nu 15:29; 26:55-56; Isa 56:6-7; Ro 10:12; Eph 2:12-16; 3:6; Col 3:11
  39. Ezekiel 47:23 : S Dt 10:19
  40. Ezekiel 48:1 : S Ge 30:6
  41. Ezekiel 48:1 : Eze 47:15-17
  42. Ezekiel 48:1 : S Eze 47:20
  43. Ezekiel 48:2 : Jos 19:24-31
  44. Ezekiel 48:3 : Jos 19:32-39
  45. Ezekiel 48:4 : Jos 17:1-11
  46. Ezekiel 48:5 : Jos 16:5-9
  47. Ezekiel 48:5 : Jos 17:7-10
  48. Ezekiel 48:5 : Jos 17:17
  49. Ezekiel 48:6 : Jos 13:15-21
  50. Ezekiel 48:7 : Jos 15:1-63
  51. Ezekiel 48:8 : ver 21
  52. Ezekiel 48:9 : S Eze 45:1
  53. Ezekiel 48:10 : ver 21; S Eze 45:3-4
  54. Ezekiel 48:11 : S 2Sa 8:17
  55. Ezekiel 48:11 : S Lev 8:35
  56. Ezekiel 48:11 : Eze 14:11; S 44:15
  57. Ezekiel 48:13 : Eze 45:5
  58. Ezekiel 48:14 : S Lev 25:34; 27:10, 28
  59. Ezekiel 48:16 : Rev 21:16
  60. Ezekiel 48:18 : Eze 45:6
  61. Ezekiel 48:21 : ver 8, 10; Eze 45:7
  62. Ezekiel 48:23 : Jos 18:11-28
  63. Ezekiel 48:24 : S Ge 29:33; Jos 19:1-9
  64. Ezekiel 48:25 : Jos 19:17-23
  65. Ezekiel 48:26 : Jos 19:10-16
  66. Ezekiel 48:27 : Jos 13:24-28
  67. Ezekiel 48:28 : S Ge 14:7
  68. Ezekiel 48:28 : S Nu 34:6; Eze 47:19
  69. Ezekiel 48:29 : S Eze 45:1
  70. Ezekiel 48:34 : S 2Ch 4:4; Rev 21:12-13
  71. Ezekiel 48:35 : S Isa 12:6; S 24:23; S Jer 3:17; 14:9; Joel 3:21; Rev 3:12; S 21:3
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

1 Peter 2:11-3:7

Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society

11 Dear friends,(A) I urge you, as foreigners and exiles,(B) to abstain from sinful desires,(C) which wage war against your soul.(D) 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds(E) and glorify God(F) on the day he visits us.

13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority:(G) whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong(H) and to commend those who do right.(I) 15 For it is God’s will(J) that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.(K) 16 Live as free people,(L) but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;(M) live as God’s slaves.(N) 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers,(O) fear God, honor the emperor.(P)

18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters,(Q) not only to those who are good and considerate,(R) but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.(S) 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.(T) 21 To this(U) you were called,(V) because Christ suffered for you,(W) leaving you an example,(X) that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin,(Y)
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[a](Z)

23 When they hurled their insults at him,(AA) he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.(AB) Instead, he entrusted himself(AC) to him who judges justly.(AD) 24 “He himself bore our sins”(AE) in his body on the cross,(AF) so that we might die to sins(AG) and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”(AH) 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,”[b](AI) but now you have returned to the Shepherd(AJ) and Overseer of your souls.(AK)

Wives, in the same way submit yourselves(AL) to your own husbands(AM) so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over(AN) without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.(AO) Rather, it should be that of your inner self,(AP) the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.(AQ) For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God(AR) used to adorn themselves.(AS) They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord.(AT) You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

Husbands,(AU) in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Footnotes:

  1. 1 Peter 2:22 Isaiah 53:9
  2. 1 Peter 2:25 Isaiah 53:4,5,6 (see Septuagint)
New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Psalm 119:49-64

ז Zayin

49 Remember your word(A) to your servant,
for you have given me hope.(B)
50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.(C)
51 The arrogant mock me(D) unmercifully,
but I do not turn(E) from your law.
52 I remember,(F) Lord, your ancient laws,
and I find comfort in them.
53 Indignation grips me(G) because of the wicked,
who have forsaken your law.(H)
54 Your decrees are the theme of my song(I)
wherever I lodge.
55 In the night, Lord, I remember(J) your name,
that I may keep your law.(K)
56 This has been my practice:
I obey your precepts.(L)

ח Heth

57 You are my portion,(M) Lord;
I have promised to obey your words.(N)
58 I have sought(O) your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me(P) according to your promise.(Q)
59 I have considered my ways(R)
and have turned my steps to your statutes.
60 I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands.(S)
61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
I will not forget(T) your law.
62 At midnight(U) I rise to give you thanks
for your righteous laws.(V)
63 I am a friend to all who fear you,(W)
to all who follow your precepts.(X)
64 The earth is filled with your love,(Y) Lord;
teach me your decrees.(Z)

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Proverbs 28:12-13

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;(A)
but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.(B)

13 Whoever conceals their sins(C) does not prosper,
but the one who confesses(D) and renounces them finds mercy.(E)

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Saturday November 23, 2024 (NIV)

Ezekiel 45:13-46:24

Special Offerings and Celebrations

13 “You must give this tax to the prince: one bushel of wheat or barley for every 60[a] you harvest, 14 one percent of your olive oil,[b] 15 and one sheep or goat for every 200 in your flocks in Israel. These will be the grain offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings that will make atonement for the people who bring them, says the Sovereign Lord. 16 All the people of Israel must join in bringing these offerings to the prince. 17 The prince will be required to provide offerings that are given at the religious festivals, the new moon celebrations, the Sabbath days, and all other similar occasions. He will provide the sin offerings, burnt offerings, grain offerings, liquid offerings, and peace offerings to purify the people of Israel, making them right with the Lord.[c]

18 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In early spring, on the first day of each new year,[d] sacrifice a young bull with no defects to purify the Temple. 19 The priest will take blood from this sin offering and put it on the doorposts of the Temple, the four corners of the upper ledge of the altar, and the gateposts at the entrance to the inner courtyard. 20 Do this also on the seventh day of the new year for anyone who has sinned through error or ignorance. In this way, you will purify[e] the Temple.

21 “On the fourteenth day of the first month,[f] you must celebrate the Passover. This festival will last for seven days. The bread you eat during that time must be made without yeast. 22 On the day of Passover the prince will provide a young bull as a sin offering for himself and the people of Israel. 23 On each of the seven days of the feast he will prepare a burnt offering to the Lord, consisting of seven young bulls and seven rams without defects. A male goat will also be given each day for a sin offering. 24 The prince will provide a basket of flour as a grain offering and a gallon of olive oil[g] with each young bull and ram.

25 “During the seven days of the Festival of Shelters, which occurs every year in early autumn,[h] the prince will provide these same sacrifices for the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the grain offering, along with the required olive oil.

46 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: The east gateway of the inner courtyard will be closed during the six workdays each week, but it will be open on Sabbath days and the days of new moon celebrations. The prince will enter the entry room of the gateway from the outside. Then he will stand by the gatepost while the priest offers his burnt offering and peace offering. He will bow down in worship inside the gateway passage and then go back out the way he came. The gateway will not be closed until evening. The common people will bow down and worship the Lord in front of this gateway on Sabbath days and the days of new moon celebrations.

“Each Sabbath day the prince will present to the Lord a burnt offering of six lambs and one ram, all with no defects. He will present a grain offering of a basket of choice flour to go with the ram and whatever amount of flour he chooses to go with each lamb, and he is to offer one gallon of olive oil[i] for each basket of flour. At the new moon celebrations, he will bring one young bull, six lambs, and one ram, all with no defects. With the young bull he must bring a basket of choice flour for a grain offering. With the ram he must bring another basket of flour. And with each lamb he is to bring whatever amount of flour he chooses to give. With each basket of flour he must offer one gallon of olive oil.

“The prince must enter the gateway through the entry room, and he must leave the same way. But when the people come in through the north gateway to worship the Lord during the religious festivals, they must leave by the south gateway. And those who entered through the south gateway must leave by the north gateway. They must never leave by the same gateway they came in, but must always use the opposite gateway. 10 The prince will enter and leave with the people on these occasions.

11 “So at the special feasts and sacred festivals, the grain offering will be a basket of choice flour with each young bull, another basket of flour with each ram, and as much flour as the worshiper chooses to give with each lamb. Give one gallon of olive oil with each basket of flour. 12 When the prince offers a voluntary burnt offering or peace offering to the Lord, the east gateway to the inner courtyard will be opened for him, and he will offer his sacrifices as he does on Sabbath days. Then he will leave, and the gateway will be shut behind him.

13 “Each morning you must sacrifice a one-year-old lamb with no defects as a burnt offering to the Lord. 14 With the lamb, a grain offering must also be given to the Lord—about three quarts of flour with a third of a gallon of olive oil[j] to moisten the choice flour. This will be a permanent law for you. 15 The lamb, the grain offering, and the olive oil must be given as a daily sacrifice every morning without fail.

16 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: If the prince gives a gift of land to one of his sons as his inheritance, it will belong to him and his descendants forever. 17 But if the prince gives a gift of land from his inheritance to one of his servants, the servant may keep it only until the Year of Jubilee, which comes every fiftieth year.[k] At that time the land will return to the prince. But when the prince gives gifts to his sons, those gifts will be permanent. 18 And the prince may never take anyone’s property by force. If he gives property to his sons, it must be from his own land, for I do not want any of my people unjustly evicted from their property.”

The Temple Kitchens

19 In my vision, the man brought me through the entrance beside the gateway and led me to the sacred rooms assigned to the priests, which faced toward the north. He showed me a place at the extreme west end of these rooms. 20 He explained, “This is where the priests will cook the meat from the guilt offerings and sin offerings and bake the flour from the grain offerings into bread. They will do it here to avoid carrying the sacrifices through the outer courtyard and endangering the people by transmitting holiness to them.”

21 Then he brought me back to the outer courtyard and led me to each of its four corners. In each corner I saw an enclosure. 22 Each of these enclosures was 70 feet long and 52 1⁄2 feet wide,[l] surrounded by walls. 23 Along the inside of these walls was a ledge of stone with fireplaces under the ledge all the way around. 24 The man said to me, “These are the kitchens to be used by the Temple assistants to boil the sacrifices offered by the people.”

Footnotes:

  1. 45:13 Hebrew 1⁄6 of an ephah from each homer of wheat and 1⁄6 of an ephah from each homer of barley.
  2. 45:14 Hebrew the portion of oil, measured by the bath, is 1⁄10 of a bath from each cor, which consists of 10 baths or 1 homer, for 10 baths are equivalent to a homer.
  3. 45:17 Or to make atonement for the people of Israel.
  4. 45:18 Hebrew On the first day of the first month, of the Hebrew calendar. This day in the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar occurred in March or April.
  5. 45:20 Or will make atonement for.
  6. 45:21 This day in the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar occurred in late March, April, or early May.
  7. 45:24 Hebrew an ephah [20 quarts or 22 liters] of flour . . . and a hin [3.8 liters] of olive oil.
  8. 45:25 Hebrew the festival which begins on the fifteenth day of the seventh month (see Lev 23:34). This day in the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar occurred in late September, October, or early November.
  9. 46:5 Hebrew an ephah [20 quarts or 22 liters] of choice flour . . . a hin [3.8 liters] of olive oil; similarly in 46:7, 11.
  10. 46:14 Hebrew 1⁄6 of an ephah [3.7 liters] of flour with 1⁄3 of a hin [1.3 liters] of olive oil.
  11. 46:17 Hebrew until the Year of Release; see Lev 25:8-17.
  12. 46:22 Hebrew 40 [cubits] [21.2 meters] long and 30 [cubits] [15.9 meters] wide.
New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.


1 Peter 1:13-2:10

A Call to Holy Living

13 So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”[a]

17 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” 18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.

21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.

22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters.[b] Love each other deeply with all your heart.[c]

23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say,

“People are like grass;
their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.
25 But the word of the Lord remains forever.”[d]

And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

Living Stones for God’s House

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.

And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests.[e] Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. As the Scriptures say,

“I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem,[f]
chosen for great honor,
and anyone who trusts in him
will never be disgraced.”[g]

Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him.[h] But for those who reject him,

“The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.”[i]

And,

“He is the stone that makes people stumble,
the rock that makes them fall.”[j]

They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,[k] a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

10 “Once you had no identity as a people;
now you are God’s people.
Once you received no mercy;
now you have received God’s mercy.”[l]

Footnotes:

  1. 1:16 Lev 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7.
  2. 1:22a Greek must have brotherly love.
  3. 1:22b Some manuscripts read with a pure heart.
  4. 1:24-25 Isa 40:6-8.
  5. 2:5 Greek holy priesthood.
  6. 2:6a Greek in Zion.
  7. 2:6b Isa 28:16 (Greek version).
  8. 2:7a Or Yes, for you who believe, there is honor.
  9. 2:7b Ps 118:22.
  10. 2:8 Isa 8:14.
  11. 2:9 Greek a royal priesthood.
  12. 2:10 Hos 1:6, 9; 2:23.
New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.


Psalm 119:33-48

He

33 Teach me your decrees, O Lord;
I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.
35 Make me walk along the path of your commands,
for that is where my happiness is found.
36 Give me an eagerness for your laws
rather than a love for money!
37 Turn my eyes from worthless things,
and give me life through your word.[a]
38 Reassure me of your promise,
made to those who fear you.
39 Help me abandon my shameful ways;
for your regulations are good.
40 I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness.

Waw

41 Lord, give me your unfailing love,
the salvation that you promised me.
42 Then I can answer those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Do not snatch your word of truth from me,
for your regulations are my only hope.
44 I will keep on obeying your instructions
forever and ever.
45 I will walk in freedom,
for I have devoted myself to your commandments.
46 I will speak to kings about your laws,
and I will not be ashamed.
47 How I delight in your commands!
How I love them!
48 I honor and love your commands.
I meditate on your decrees.

Footnotes:

  1. 119:37 Some manuscripts read in your ways.
New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.


Proverbs 28:11

11 Rich people may think they are wise,
but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.


The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Friday November 22, 2024 (NIV)

Ezekiel 44:1-45:12

The Prince’s Privilege

44 The man then brought me back toward the sanctuary’s outer gate that faced east, and it was closed. The Lord said to me, “This gate will remain closed. It will not be opened, and no one will enter through it, because the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered through it.(A) Therefore it will remain closed. The prince himself will sit in the gate to eat a meal before the Lord.(B) He is to enter by way of the portico(C) of the gate and go out the same way.”

Then the man brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple. I looked, and the glory of the Lord filled his temple.(D) And I fell facedown.(E) The Lord said to me, “Son of man, pay attention;(F) look with your eyes and listen with your ears to everything I tell you about all the statutes and laws of the Lord’s temple.(G) Take careful note of the entrance of the temple along with all the exits of the sanctuary.

The Levites’ Duties and Privileges

“Say to the rebellious people,(H) the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord God says: I have had enough(I) of all your detestable practices, house of Israel. When you brought in foreigners,(J) uncircumcised in both heart and flesh,(K) to occupy my sanctuary, you defiled my temple while you offered my food—the fat and the blood. You[a] broke my covenant by all your detestable practices. You have not kept charge of my holy things(L) but have appointed others to keep charge of my sanctuary for you.’

“This is what the Lord God says: No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and flesh, may enter my sanctuary, not even a foreigner who is among the Israelites. 10 Surely the Levites who wandered away from me when Israel went astray, and who strayed from me after their idols,(M) will bear the consequences of their iniquity.(N) 11 Yet they will occupy my sanctuary, serving as guards at the temple gates(O) and ministering at the temple. They will slaughter the burnt offerings(P) and other sacrifices for the people and will stand before them to serve them.(Q) 12 Because they ministered to the house of Israel before their idols and became a sinful stumbling block to them, therefore I swore an oath[b] against them”(R)—this is the declaration of the Lord God—“that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity. 13 They must not approach me to serve me as priests(S) or come near any of my holy things or the most holy things. They will bear their disgrace and the consequences of the detestable acts they committed. 14 Yet I will make them responsible for the duties of the temple(T)—for all its work and everything done in it.

The Priests’ Duties and Privileges

15 “But the Levitical priests descended from Zadok,(U) who kept charge of my sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from me, will approach me to serve me. They will stand before me to offer me fat and blood.” This is the declaration of the Lord God. 16 “They are the ones who may enter my sanctuary(V) and approach my table to serve me.(W) They will keep my mandate. 17 When they enter the gates of the inner court they are to wear linen garments;(X) they must not have on them anything made of wool when they minister at the gates of the inner court and within it. 18 They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists.(Y) They are not to put on anything that makes them sweat. 19 Before they go out to the outer court,[c] to the people, they must take off the clothes they have been ministering in, leave them in the holy chambers, and dress in other clothes(Z) so that they do not transmit holiness to the people through their clothes.(AA)

20 “They may not shave their heads(AB) or let their hair grow long,(AC) but are to carefully trim their hair. 21 No priest may drink wine before he enters the inner court.(AD) 22 He is not to marry a widow or a divorced woman, but may marry only a virgin from the offspring of the house of Israel,(AE) or a widow who is the widow of a priest. 23 They are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and explain to them the difference between the clean and the unclean.(AF)

24 “In a dispute, they will officiate as judges and decide the case according to my ordinances.(AG) They are to observe my laws and statutes regarding all my appointed festivals, and keep my Sabbaths holy.(AH) 25 A priest may not come near a dead person so that he becomes defiled.(AI) However, he may defile himself for a father, a mother, a son, a daughter, a brother, or an unmarried sister. 26 After he is cleansed, he is to count off seven days for himself.(AJ) 27 On the day he goes into the sanctuary, into the inner court(AK) to minister in the sanctuary, he is to present his sin offering.” This is the declaration of the Lord God.

28 “This will be their inheritance: I am their inheritance.(AL) You are to give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession. 29 They will eat the grain offering, the sin offering,(AM) and the guilt offering. Everything in Israel that is permanently dedicated to the Lord will belong to them.(AN) 30 The best of all the firstfruits of every kind and contribution of every kind from all your gifts will belong to the priests.(AO) You are to give your first batch of dough to the priest(AP) so that a blessing may rest on your homes.(AQ) 31 The priests may not eat any bird or animal that died naturally or was mauled by wild beasts.(AR)

The Sacred Portion of the Land

45 “When you divide the land by lot as an inheritance,(AS) set aside a donation to the Lord, a holy portion of the land,(AT) 8⅓ miles[d] long and 6⅔ miles[e] wide. This entire region will be holy. In this area there will be a square section[f] for the sanctuary, 875 by 875 feet,[g](AU) with 87½ feet[h] of open space all around it. From this holy portion,[i] you will measure off an area 8⅓ miles long and 3⅓ miles[j] wide, in which the sanctuary, the most holy place,(AV) will stand.[k] It will be a holy area of the land to be used by the priests who minister in the sanctuary, who approach to serve the Lord.(AW) It will be a place for their houses, as well as a holy area for the sanctuary. There will be another area 8⅓ miles long and 3⅓ miles wide for the Levites who minister in the temple;(AX) it will be their possession for towns to live in.[l]

“As the property of the city, set aside an area 1⅔ miles[m] wide and 8⅓ miles long, adjacent to the holy donation of land.(AY) It will be for the whole house of Israel. And the prince will have the area on each side of the holy donation of land and the city’s property, adjacent to the holy donation and the city’s property, stretching to the west on the west side and to the east on the east side.(AZ) Its length will correspond to one of the tribal portions from the western boundary to the eastern boundary. This will be his land as a possession in Israel. My princes will no longer oppress my people(BA) but give the rest of the land to the house of Israel according to their tribes.

“This is what the Lord God says: You have gone too far,[n](BB) princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression and do what is just and right.(BC) Put an end to your evictions of my people.” This is the declaration of the Lord God. 10 “You are to have honest scales, an honest dry measure,[o] and an honest liquid measure.[p](BD) 11 The dry measure[q] and the liquid measure[r] will be uniform, with the liquid measure containing 5½ gallons[s] and the dry measure holding half a bushel.[t] Their measurement will be a tenth of the standard larger capacity measure.[u] 12 The shekel[v] will weigh twenty gerahs.(BE) Your mina will equal sixty shekels.

Footnotes:

  1. 44:7 LXX, Syr, Vg; MT reads They
  2. 44:12 Lit I lifted my hand
  3. 44:19 Some Hb mss, LXX, Syr, Vg; other Hb mss read court, to the outer court
  4. 45:1 Lit 25,000 cubits, also in vv. 3,5,6
  5. 45:1 LXX reads 20,000 cubits; MT reads 10,000 cubits
  6. 45:2 Lit square all around
  7. 45:2 Lit 500 by 500 cubits
  8. 45:2 Lit 50 cubits
  9. 45:3 Lit this measured portion
  10. 45:3 Lit 10,000 cubits, also in v. 5
  11. 45:3 Lit be
  12. 45:5 LXX; MT, Syr, Tg, Vg read possession—20 chambers
  13. 45:6 Lit 5,000 cubits
  14. 45:9 Lit Enough of you
  15. 45:10 Lit an honest ephah
  16. 45:10 Lit and an honest bath
  17. 45:11 Lit The ephah
  18. 45:11 Lit the bath
  19. 45:11 Lit one-tenth of a homer
  20. 45:11 Lit one-tenth of a homer
  21. 45:11 Lit be based on the homer
  22. 45:12 A shekel is about two-fifths of an ounce of silver
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

1 Peter 1:1-12

Greeting

Peter,(A) an apostle of Jesus Christ:

To those chosen, living as exiles(B) dispersed(C) abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,(D) chosen(E) according to the foreknowledge(F) of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit,(G) to be obedient(H) and to be sprinkled with the blood(I) of Jesus Christ.

May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

A Living Hope

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.(J) Because of his great mercy(K) he has given us new birth(L) into a living hope(M) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead(N) and into an inheritance that is imperishable,(O) undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven(P) for you. You are being guarded by God’s power(Q) through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.(R) You rejoice in this,[a] even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials(S) so that the proven character of your faith(T)—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire(U)—may result(V) in praise, glory, and honor(W) at the revelation of Jesus Christ.(X) Though you have not seen(Y) him, you love him;(Z) though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice(AA) with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets,(AB) who prophesied about the grace that would come to you, searched and carefully investigated. 11 They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ(AC) within them was indicating when he testified in advance(AD) to the sufferings of Christ(AE) and the glories(AF) that would follow.[b] 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you. These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you(AG) by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven(AH)—angels long to catch a glimpse of these things.

Footnotes:

  1. 1:6 Or In this fact rejoice
  2. 1:11 Or the glories after that
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

Psalm 119:17-32

ג Gimel

17 Deal generously with your servant(A)
so that I might live;
then I will keep your word.
18 Open my eyes so that I may contemplate
wondrous things from your instruction.
19 I am a resident alien on earth;(B)
do not hide your commands from me.
20 I am continually overcome
with longing for your judgments.(C)
21 You rebuke the arrogant,
the ones under a curse,(D)
who wander from your commands.(E)
22 Take insult and contempt away from me,(F)
for I have kept your decrees.
23 Though princes sit together speaking against me,(G)
your servant will think about your statutes;(H)
24 your decrees are my delight
and my counselors.(I)

ד Daleth

25 My life is down in the dust;(J)
give me life(K) through your word.
26 I told you about my life,
and you answered me;
teach me your statutes.(L)
27 Help me understand
the meaning of your precepts
so that I can meditate on your wonders.(M)
28 I am weary[a] from grief;
strengthen me through your word.(N)
29 Keep me from the way of deceit
and graciously give me your instruction.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set your ordinances before me.(O)
31 I cling to your decrees;
Lord, do not put me to shame.(P)
32 I pursue the way of your commands,
for you broaden my understanding.[b](Q)

Footnotes:

  1. 119:28 Or I weep
  2. 119:32 Lit you enlarge my heart
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

Proverbs 28:8-10

Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest(A)
collects it for one who is kind to the poor.(B)

Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law—
even his prayer is detestable.(C)

10 The one who leads the upright into an evil way
will fall into his own pit,(D)
but the blameless will inherit what is good.(E)

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Thursday November 21, 2024 (NIV)

Ezekiel 42-43

The Priests’ Chambers

42 Then the man led me out by way of the north gate into the outer court.(A) He brought me to the group of chambers opposite the temple yard and opposite the building(B) to the north. Along the length of the chambers, which was 175 feet,[a](C) there was an entrance on the north; the width was 87½ feet.[b] Opposite the 35 foot space[c] belonging to the inner court and opposite the paved surface(D) belonging to the outer court, the structure rose gallery by gallery(E) in three tiers. In front of the chambers was a walkway toward the inside,(F) 17½ feet[d] wide and 175 feet long,[e] and their entrances were on the north. The upper chambers were narrower because the galleries took away more space from them than from the lower and middle stories of the building. For they were arranged in three stories and had no pillars like the pillars of the courts;(G) therefore the upper chambers were set back from the ground more than the lower and middle stories. A wall on the outside ran in front of the chambers, parallel to them, toward the outer court; it was 87½ feet long. For the chambers on the outer court were 87½ feet long, while those facing the great hall were 175 feet long.(H) At the base of these chambers there was an entryway on the east side as one enters them from the outer court.(I)

10 In the thickness of the wall of the court toward the south,[f] there were chambers facing the temple yard(J) and the western building, 11 with a passageway in front of them, just like the chambers that faced north.(K) Their length and width, as well as all their exits, measurements, and entrances, were identical. 12 The entrance at the beginning of the passageway, the way in front of the corresponding[g] wall as one enters on the east side, was similar to the entrances of the chambers that were on the south side.

13 Then the man said to me, “The northern and southern chambers that face the courtyard are the holy chambers where the priests who approach the Lord will eat(L) the most holy offerings.(M) There they will deposit the most holy offerings—the grain offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings—for the place is holy.(N) 14 Once the priests have entered, they are not to go out from the holy area to the outer court until they have removed the clothes they minister in, for these are holy.(O) They are to put on other clothes before they approach the public area.”(P)

Outside Dimensions of the Temple Complex

15 When he finished measuring inside the temple complex, he led me out by way of the gate that faced east and measured all around the complex.(Q)

16 He measured the east side with a measuring rod;

it was 875 feet[h] by the measuring rod.[i]

17 He[j] measured the north side;

it was 875 feet by the measuring rod.

18 He[k] measured the south side;

it was 875 feet by the measuring rod.

19 Then he turned to the west side

and measured 875 feet by the measuring rod.

20 He measured the temple complex on all four sides. It had a wall all around it,(R) 875 feet long and 875 feet(S) wide, to separate the holy from the common.(T)

Return of the Lord’s Glory

43 He led me to the gate,(U) the one that faces east, and I saw the glory of the God of Israel(V) coming from the east.(W) His voice sounded like the roar of a huge torrent,(X) and the earth shone with his glory.(Y) The vision I saw(Z) was like the one I had seen when he[l] came to destroy the city,(AA) and like the ones I had seen by the Chebar Canal.(AB) I fell facedown.(AC) The glory of the Lord entered the temple by way of the gate that faced east.(AD) Then the Spirit lifted me up(AE) and brought me to the inner court, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.(AF)

While the man was standing beside me, I heard someone speaking to me from the temple.(AG) He said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet,(AH) where I will dwell among the Israelites forever.(AI) The house of Israel and their kings will no longer defile my holy name by their religious prostitution and by the corpses[m](AJ) of their kings at their high places.[n](AK) Whenever they placed their threshold next to my threshold and their doorposts beside my doorposts, with only a wall between me and them, they were defiling my holy name by the detestable acts they committed.(AL) So I destroyed them in my anger. Now let them remove their prostitution and the corpses(AM) of their kings far from me, and I will dwell among them forever.(AN)

10 “As for you, son of man, describe the temple to the house of Israel,(AO) so that they may be ashamed of their iniquities.(AP) Let them measure its pattern,(AQ) 11 and they will be ashamed of all that they have done. Reveal[o] the design of the temple to them—its layout with its exits and entrances(AR)—its complete design along with all its statutes, design specifications, and laws. Write it down in their sight(AS) so that they may observe its complete design and all its statutes and may carry them out.(AT) 12 This is the law of the temple: All its surrounding territory on top of the mountain(AU) will be especially holy. Yes, this is the law of the temple.

The Altar

13 “These are the measurements of the altar(AV) in units of length (each unit being the standard length plus three inches):[p](AW) The gutter is 21 inches[q] deep and 21 inches wide, with a rim of nine inches[r] around its edge. This is the base[s] of the altar. 14 The distance from the gutter on the ground to the lower ledge is 3½ feet,[t] and the width of the ledge is 21 inches. There are 7 feet[u] from the small ledge to the large ledge, whose width is also 21 inches. 15 The altar hearth[v] is 7 feet high, and four horns(AX) project upward from the hearth. 16 The hearth is square, 21 feet[w] long by 21 feet wide.(AY) 17 The ledge is 24½ feet[x] long by 24½ feet wide, with four equal sides.(AZ) The rim all around it is 10½ inches,[y] and its gutter is 21 inches all around it. The altar’s steps face east.”(BA)

18 Then he said to me, “Son of man,(BB) this is what the Lord God says: These are the statutes for the altar on the day it is constructed, so that burnt offerings(BC) may be sacrificed on it and blood may be splattered on it:(BD) 19 You are to give a bull from the herd(BE) as a sin offering(BF) to the Levitical priests who are from the offspring of Zadok,(BG) who approach me in order to serve me.”(BH) This is the declaration of the Lord God. 20 “You are to take some of its blood and apply it to the four horns(BI) of the altar, the four corners of the ledge, and all around the rim. In this way you will purify the altar and make atonement for it.(BJ) 21 Then you are to take away the bull for the sin offering, and it must be burned outside the sanctuary in the place appointed for the temple.(BK)

22 “On the second day you are to present an unblemished male goat as a sin offering. They will purify the altar just as they did with the bull. 23 When you have finished the purification, you are to present a young, unblemished bull(BL) and an unblemished ram from the flock.