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The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Wednesday October 6, 2021 (NIV)

Jeremiah 6:16-8:7

16 The Lord proclaims:
Stop at the crossroads and look around;
ask for the ancient paths.
Where is the good way?
Then walk in it
and find a resting place for yourselves.
But you[a] said, “We won’t go!”
17 Still, I have appointed watchmen to warn you.
But you[b] said, “We won’t listen!”
18 Therefore, pay attention, nations;
take notice, assembly,
what is ahead of them.[c]
19 Pay attention, earth:
I’m bringing disaster upon my people,
the fruit of their own devices,
because they have ignored my words
and they have rejected my teaching.
20 What use to me is incense from Sheba
or sweet cane from a faraway land?
Your entirely burned offerings won’t buy your pardon;
your sacrifices won’t appease me.
21 Therefore, the Lord proclaims:
I’m putting obstacles before this people,
and both parents and children will stumble over them;
neighbor and friend alike will perish.

Panic-stricken Zion

22 The Lord proclaims:
An army is on the move
from the northern regions;
a great nation is roused
from the ends of the earth.
23 Equipped with bow and spear,
they are cruel;
they show no mercy.
Their horsemen sound
like the roaring sea,
arrayed in battle formation
against you, Daughter Zion.
24 We have heard reports of them
and are panic-stricken;
distress overwhelms us,
pain like that of a woman in labor.
25 Don’t go out into the field!
Don’t walk on the road!
The enemies’ sword
terrorizes at every turn.
26 My people,
put on funeral clothes and roll in ashes;
weep and wail as for an only child,
because the destroyer will suddenly descend upon us.

Prophet as tester

27 I have made you a tester of metals,
to examine my people[d]
to know and prove their ways.
28 They are tin[e] and iron;
they are headstrong and rebellious.
They live to slander.
They act corruptly—every last one!
29 The bellows roar;
the lead is consumed.[f]
Yet the refining fails;
the impurities[g] remain.
30 They are called “rejected silver,”
for the Lord has rejected them.

The Lord’s temple

7 Jeremiah received the Lord’s word: 2 Stand near the gate of the Lord’s temple and proclaim there this message: Listen to the Lord’s word, all you of Judah who enter these gates to worship the Lord. 3 This is what the Lord of heavenly forces, the God of Israel, says: Improve your conduct and your actions, and I will dwell with you[h] in this place. 4 Don’t trust in lies: “This is the Lord’s temple! The Lord’s temple! The Lord’s temple!” 5 No, if you truly reform your ways and your actions; if you treat each other justly; 6 if you stop taking advantage of the immigrant, orphan, or widow; if you don’t shed the blood of the innocent in this place, or go after other gods to your own ruin, 7 only then will I dwell with you[i] in this place, in the land that I gave long ago to your ancestors for all time.

8 And yet you trust in lies that will only hurt you. 9 Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, sacrifice to Baal and go after other gods that you don’t know, 10 and then come and stand before me in this temple that bears my name, and say, “We are safe,” only to keep on doing all these detestable things? 11 Do you regard this temple, which bears my name, as a hiding place for criminals? I can see what’s going on here, declares the Lord. 12 Just go to my sanctuary[j] in Shiloh, where I let my name dwell at first, and see what I did to it because of the evil of my people Israel. 13 And now, because you have done all these things, declares the Lord, because you haven’t listened when I spoke to you again and again or responded when I called you, 14 I will do to this temple that bears my name and on which you rely, the place that I gave to you and your ancestors, just as I did to Shiloh. 15 I will cast you out of my sight, just as I cast out the rest of your family, all the people of Ephraim.

16 As for you, don’t pray for these people, don’t cry out or plead for them, and don’t intercede with me, for I won’t listen to you. 17 Can’t you see what they are doing in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? 18 The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead dough to make sacrificial cakes for the queen of heaven. And to offend me all the more, they pour out drink offerings to foreign gods. 19 But am I the one they are really offending? declares the Lord. Aren’t they in fact humiliating themselves? 20 Therefore, this is what the Lord God says: I’m going to pour out my fierce anger on this place, on humans and beasts, on the trees of the field and the crops of the fertile land. It will burn and not go out.

21 This is what the Lord of heavenly forces, the God of Israel, says: Add your entirely burned offerings to your sacrifices and eat them yourselves! 22 On the day I brought your ancestors out of the land of Egypt, I didn’t say a thing—I gave no instructions—about entirely burned offerings or sacrifices. 23 Rather, this is what I required of them: Obey me so that I may become your God and you may become my people. Follow the path I mark out for you so that it may go well with you. 24 But they didn’t listen or pay attention. They followed their willful and evil hearts and went backward rather than forward. 25 From the moment your ancestors left the land of Egypt to this day, I have sent you all my servants the prophets—day after day. 26 But they didn’t listen to me or pay attention; they were stubborn and did more harm than their ancestors. 27 When you tell them all this, they won’t listen to you. When you call to them, they won’t respond. 28 Therefore, say to them: This nation neither obeys the Lord its God nor accepts correction; truth has disappeared; it has vanished from their lips.

29 Cut off your hair and cast it away;
grieve on the well-traveled paths.
The Lord has rejected you
and has cast off a generation that provokes his anger.

30 The people of Judah have done what displeases me, declares the Lord. They have corrupted the temple that bears my name by setting up their disgusting idols. 31 They have built shrines at Topheth in the Ben-hinnom Valley to burn their sons and daughters in the fire, although I never commanded such a thing, nor did it ever cross my mind. 32 So now the time is coming, declares the Lord, when people will no longer speak of Topheth or the Ben-hinnom Valley, but the Carnage Valley. They will bury in Topheth until no space is left. 33 The corpses of this people will be food for birds and wild animals, with no one to drive them off. 34 I will silence the sound of joy and delight as well as the voice of bride and bridegroom in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, for the country will be reduced to a wasteland.

8 At that time, declares the Lord, the bones of the kings of Judah and its officers, the bones of the priests and the prophets, and the bones of the people of Jerusalem will be taken from their graves 2 and exposed to the sun, the moon, and the whole heavenly forces, which they have loved and served and which they have followed, consulted, and worshipped. Their bones won’t be gathered for reburial but will become like refuse lying on the ground. 3 The survivors of this evil nation will prefer death to life, wherever I have scattered them, declares the Lord of heavenly forces.

Depth of Judah’s wrongdoing

4 Say to them, The Lord proclaims:
When people fall down, don’t they get up?
When they turn aside, don’t they turn back?
5 Why then does this people, rebellious Jerusalem,
persistently turn away from me?
They cling to deceit
and refuse to return.
6 I have listened carefully
but haven’t heard a word of truth from them.
No one regrets their wrongdoing;
no one says, “What have I done?”
Everyone turns to their own course,
like a stallion dashing into the thick of battle.
7 Even the stork in the sky knows the seasons,
and the dove, swallow,[k] and crane[l]
return in due time.
But my people don’t know the Lord’s ways.

Footnotes:

  1. Jeremiah 6:16 Or they
  2. Jeremiah 6:17 Or they
  3. Jeremiah 6:18 Heb uncertain
  4. Jeremiah 6:27 Heb uncertain
  5. Jeremiah 6:28 Or bronze
  6. Jeremiah 6:29 Heb uncertain
  7. Jeremiah 6:29 Or wicked
  8. Jeremiah 7:3 Or I will let you dwell
  9. Jeremiah 7:7 Or I will let you dwell
  10. Jeremiah 7:12 Or place
  11. Jeremiah 8:7 Heb uncertain
  12. Jeremiah 8:7 Heb uncertain
Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Colossians 2:8-23

8 See to it that nobody enslaves you with philosophy and foolish deception, which conform to human traditions and the way the world thinks and acts rather than Christ. 9 All the fullness of deity lives in Christ’s body. 10 And you have been filled by him, who is the head of every ruler and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not administered by human hands. The circumcision of Christ is realized in the stripping away of the whole self dominated by sin. 12 You were buried with him through baptism and raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 When you were dead because of the things you had done wrong and because your body wasn’t circumcised, God made you alive with Christ and forgave all the things you had done wrong. 14 He destroyed the record of the debt we owed, with its requirements that worked against us. He canceled it by nailing it to the cross. 15 When he disarmed the rulers and authorities, he exposed them to public disgrace by leading them in a triumphal parade.

16 So don’t let anyone judge you about eating or drinking or about a festival, a new moon observance, or sabbaths. 17 These religious practices are only a shadow of what was coming—the body that cast the shadow is Christ. 18 Don’t let anyone who wants to practice harsh self-denial and worship angels rob you of the prize. They go into detail about what they have seen in visions and have become unjustifiably arrogant by their selfish way of thinking. 19 They don’t stay connected to the head. The head nourishes and supports the whole body through the joints and ligaments, so the body grows with a growth that is from God.

20 If you died with Christ to the way the world thinks and acts, why do you submit to rules and regulations as though you were living in the world? 21 “Don’t handle!” “Don’t taste!” “Don’t touch!” 22 All these things cease to exist when they are used. Such rules are human commandments and teachings. 23 They look like they are wise with this self-made religion and their self-denial by the harsh treatment of the body, but they are no help against indulging in selfish immoral behavior.

Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Psalm 78:1-31

Psalm 78

A maskil[a] of Asaph.

78 Listen, my people, to my teaching;
tilt your ears toward the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth with a proverb.
I’ll declare riddles from days long gone—
3 ones that we’ve heard and learned about,
ones that our ancestors told us.
4 We won’t hide them from their descendants;
we’ll tell the next generation
all about the praise due the Lord and his strength—
the wondrous works God has done.
5 He established a law for Jacob
and set up Instruction for Israel,
ordering our ancestors
to teach them to their children.
6 This is so that the next generation
and children not yet born will know these things,
and so they can rise up and tell their children
7 to put their hope in God—
never forgetting God’s deeds,
but keeping God’s commandments—
8 and so that they won’t become like their ancestors:
a rebellious, stubborn generation,
a generation whose heart wasn’t set firm
and whose spirit wasn’t faithful to God.

9 The children of Ephraim, armed with bows,
retreated on the day of battle.
10 They didn’t keep God’s covenant;
they refused to walk in his Instruction.
11 They forgot God’s deeds
as well as the wondrous works he showed them.
12 But God performed wonders in their ancestors’ presence—
in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
13 God split the sea and led them through,
making the waters stand up like a wall.
14 God led them with the cloud by day;
by the lightning all through the night.
15 God split rocks open in the wilderness,
gave them plenty to drink—
as if from the deep itself!
16 God made streams flow from the rock,
made water run like rivers.

17 But they continued to sin against God,
rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
18 They tested God in their hearts,
demanded food for their stomachs.
19 They spoke against God!
“Can God set a dinner table in the wilderness?” they asked.
20 “True, God struck the rock
and water gushed and streams flowed,
but can he give bread too?
Can he provide meat for his people?”
21 When the Lord heard this, he became furious.
A fire was ignited against Jacob;
wrath also burned against Israel
22 because they had no faith in God,
because they didn’t trust his saving power.
23 God gave orders to the skies above,
opened heaven’s doors,
24 and rained manna on them so they could eat.
He gave them the very grain of heaven!
25 Each person ate the bread of the powerful ones;[b]
God sent provisions to satisfy them.
26 God set the east wind moving across the skies
and drove the south wind by his strength.
27 He rained meat on them as if it were dust in the air;
he rained as many birds as the sand on the seashore!
28 God brought the birds down in the center of their camp,
all around their dwellings.
29 So they ate and were completely satisfied;
God gave them exactly what they had craved.
30 But they didn’t stop craving—
even with the food still in their mouths!
31 So God’s anger came up against them:
he killed the most hearty of them;
he cut down Israel’s youth in their prime.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 78:1 Perhaps instruction
  2. Psalm 78:25 Or everyone ate the bread from heaven; Heb uncertain
Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Proverbs 24:26

26 Those who speak honestly
are like those who kiss on the lips.

Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

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The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Tuesday October 5, 2021 (NIV)

Jeremiah 4:19-6:15

Anguish over looming disaster

19 Oh, my suffering, my suffering!
My pain is unbearable;
my heart is in turmoil;
it throbs nonstop.
I can’t be silent, because I hear the blast of the trumpet
and the roar of the battle cry!
20 Disaster follows disaster;
the whole land is ruined.
Suddenly, my tents are destroyed,
my shelter in a moment.
21 How long must I see the battle flags
and hear the blast of the trumpet?
22 My people are foolish.
They don’t even know me!
They are thoughtless children
without understanding;
they are skilled at doing wrong,
inept at doing right.
23 I looked at the earth,
and it was without shape or form;
at the heavens
and there was no light.
24 I looked at the mountains
and they were quaking;
all the hills were rocking back and forth.
25 I looked and there was no one left;
every bird in the sky had taken flight.
26 I looked and the fertile land was a desert;
all its towns were in ruins
before the Lord,
before his fury.
27 The Lord proclaims:
The whole earth will become a desolation,
but I will not destroy it completely.
28 Therefore, the earth will grieve
and the heavens grow dark
because I have declared my plan
and will neither change my mind
nor cancel the plan.
29 As the horsemen and archers approach,
the people take flight.
They hide in the bushes
and escape to the cliffs.
Every city is deserted;
no one remains.
30 And you, devastated one,
why dress up in scarlet,
deck yourself in gold jewelry,
and color your eyes with paint?
In vain you get all decked out;
your lovers have rejected you
and now seek your life.
31 I hear the cry of a woman in labor,
the distress of one delivering her first child.
It is the cry of Daughter Zion,
gasping for breath,
her arms stretched out,
and moaning,
“I’m about to fall into the hands of murderers!”

Futile search for a good person

5 Search every street in Jerusalem,
comb the squares,
look far and wide
for one person,
even one who acts justly
and seeks truth that I may pardon her!
2 Even when making a pledge—“As the Lord lives”—
they swear falsely.
3 Lord, don’t you look for integrity?
You have struck them down,
but they didn’t even cringe.
You have crushed them,
but they have ignored your discipline.
They make their faces harder than rock
and refuse to return.
4 Then I thought to myself,
These are the poor who don’t know better!
They don’t understand the Lord’s way
or the justice of their God.
5 Let me go and speak to the powerful people,
for they will surely know the Lord’s way
and the justice of their God.
But they too have broken their yoke
and shattered the chains.
6 Therefore, a lion from the forest will attack them;
a wolf from the desert will destroy them;
a leopard prowling around their towns
will tear to pieces anyone venturing out—
because of their many crimes
and countless acts of unfaithfulness.
7 How can I pardon you?
Your children have forsaken me
and swear by gods that are not gods.
Although I could have satisfied them,
they committed adultery,
dashing off to the prostitution house.
8 They are lusty stallions roving about,
snorting for another’s wife.
9 The Lord declares:
Shouldn’t I confront these acts?
Shouldn’t I take revenge on such a nation?

Contempt for God

10 Climb through her vineyards and ravage them,
although not completely.
Prune back her branches,
because they aren’t the Lord’s.
11 The people of Israel and Judah
have been utterly faithless to me,
declares the Lord.
12 They have lied about the Lord
and said, “He’ll do nothing![a]
Disaster won’t come upon us;
we won’t see war or famine.”
13 The prophets are so much wind;
the word isn’t in them.
Thus and so may it be done to them.

14 Therefore, the Lord God of heavenly forces proclaims:

Because you have spoken this way,
I will put my words
in your mouth as a fire;
it will consume the people,
who are but kindling.
15 I am about to bring a distant nation against you,
people of Israel,
declares the Lord.
It is an established nation,
an ancient nation,
a nation whose language you don’t know,
whose speech you won’t understand.
16 Its weapons are deadly;[b]
its warriors are many.
17 It will devour your harvest and food;
it will devour your sons and daughters;
it will devour your flocks and herds;
it will devour your vines and fig trees;
it will shatter your fortified towns in which you trust—
with the sword!

18 Yet even in those days, declares the Lord, I won’t completely destroy you. 19 And when they ask, “Why has the Lord our God done all these things to us?” you must reply, “Just as you have abandoned me and served foreign gods in your land, so you will serve strangers in a land not your own.”

Shouldn’t you fear me?

20 Declare this to the people of Jacob,
announce it in Judah:
21 Listen, you foolish and senseless people,
who have eyes but don’t see
and ears but don’t hear.
22 Shouldn’t you fear me,
declares the Lord,
and tremble before me,
the one who set the shoreline for the sea,
an ancient boundary that it can’t pass?
Though its waves may rise and roar,
they can’t pass the limits I have set.
23 And yet the people have stubborn and rebellious hearts;
they turn and go their own way.
24 They don’t say in their hearts,
Let’s fear the Lord our God,
who provides rain in autumn and spring
and who assures us of a harvest in its season.
25 Your wrongdoing has turned these blessings[c] away.
Your sin has robbed you of good.
26 Criminals are found among my people;
they set traps to catch people,
like hunters lying in wait.[d]
27 Like a cage full of birds,
so their houses are full of loot.
No wonder they are rich and powerful
28 and have grown fat and sleek!
To be sure, their evil deeds exceed all limits,
and yet they prosper.
They are indifferent to the plight of the orphan,
reluctant to defend the rights of the poor.
29 Shouldn’t I punish such acts?
declares the Lord.
Shouldn’t I repay that nation for its deeds?
30 An awful, a terrible thing
has happened in the land:
31 The prophets prophesy falsely,
the priests rule at their sides,[e]
and my people love it this way!
But what will you do when the end comes?

Prepare for war

6 Escape, people of Benjamin,
get out of Jerusalem!
Blow the trumpet in Tekoa,
sound the alarm in Beth-haccherem;
for disaster looms from the north,
massive devastation.
2 You are like a lovely pasture, Daughter Zion.[f]
3 Shepherds come to her with their flocks.
They pitch their tents around her
and graze in their place.
4 “Prepare for battle against her;
get ready; let’s attack by noon!
Oh, no! Daylight is fading,
and the evening shadows lengthen.
5 Get ready, let’s attack by night
and destroy her fortresses!”
6 The Lord of heavenly forces proclaims:
Cut down her trees,
and build siege ramps against Jerusalem.
This city must be held accountable,[g]
for there’s nothing but oppression in her midst.
7 As a well brings forth fresh water,
she brings forth evil.
Violence and destruction are heard within her;
injury and wounds are ever before me.
8 Hear me out,[h] Jerusalem,
or else I’ll turn away from you
and reduce you to ruins,
a land unfit to live in.

Unresponsive people

9 This is what the Lord of heavenly forces says:
From top to bottom, let them harvest
the remaining few in Israel.
Pick clean every
last grape on the vine!
10 To whom can I speak and warn?
How can I get someone’s attention?
Their ears are shut tight,[i]
so they won’t hear.
They are ashamed of the Lord’s word
and take no pleasure in it.
11 But I’m filled with the Lord’s rage
and am tired of holding it in.

Pour it out on the children in the streets
and on the youths gathered together;
husband with wife will be trapped,
as will those old and gray.
12 Their homes will be turned over to others,
their fields and wives as well.
I will stretch out my hand
against the people of this land,
declares the Lord.
13 From the least to the greatest,
each is eager to profit;
from prophet to priest,
each trades in dishonesty.
14 They treat the wound of my people
as if it were nothing:
“All is well, all is well,” they insist,
when in fact nothing is well.
15 They should be ashamed
of their detestable practices,
but they have no shame;
they don’t even blush!
Therefore, they will fall among the fallen
and stumble when I bring disaster,
declares the Lord.

Footnotes:

  1. Jeremiah 5:12 Or not he
  2. Jeremiah 5:16 Or Its quiver is like an open grave
  3. Jeremiah 5:25 Heb lacks blessings.
  4. Jeremiah 5:26 Heb uncertain
  5. Jeremiah 5:31 Or by their hands
  6. Jeremiah 6:2 Heb uncertain
  7. Jeremiah 6:6 Heb uncertain
  8. Jeremiah 6:8 Or Accept correction
  9. Jeremiah 6:10 Or uncircumcised
Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Colossians 1:18-2:7

18 He is the head of the body, the church,
who is the beginning,
the one who is firstborn from among the dead[a]
so that he might occupy the first place in everything.

19 Because all the fullness of God was pleased to live in him,
20 and he reconciled all things to himself through him—
whether things on earth or in the heavens.
He brought peace through the blood of his cross.

21 Once you were alienated from God and you were enemies with him in your minds, which was shown by your evil actions. 22 But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death, to present you before God as a people who are holy, faultless, and without blame. 23 But you need to remain well established and rooted in faith and not shift away from the hope given in the good news that you heard. This message has been preached throughout all creation under heaven. And I, Paul, became a servant of this good news.

Paul’s service for the church

24 Now I’m happy to be suffering for you. I’m completing what is missing from Christ’s sufferings with my own body. I’m doing this for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I became a servant of the church by God’s commission, which was given to me for you, in order to complete God’s word. 26 I’m completing it with a secret plan[b] that has been hidden for ages and generations but which has now been revealed to his holy people. 27 God wanted to make the glorious riches of this secret plan[c] known among the Gentiles, which is Christ living in you, the hope of glory. 28 This is what we preach as we warn and teach every person with all wisdom so that we might present each one mature in Christ. 29 I work hard and struggle for this goal with his energy, which works in me powerfully.

2 I want you to know how much I struggle for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who haven’t known me personally. 2 My goal is that their hearts would be encouraged and united together in love so that they might have all the riches of assurance that come with understanding, so that they might have the knowledge of the secret plan[d] of God, namely Christ. 3 All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in him. 4 I’m telling you this so that no one deceives you with convincing arguments, 5 because even though I am absent physically, I’m with you in spirit. I’m happy to see the discipline and stability of your faith in Christ.

Error threatening the church

6 So live in Christ Jesus the Lord in the same way as you received him. 7 Be rooted and built up in him, be established in faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught.

Footnotes:

  1. Colossians 1:18 Or first over the dead
  2. Colossians 1:26 Or mystery
  3. Colossians 1:27 Or mystery
  4. Colossians 2:2 Or mystery
Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Psalm 77

Psalm 77

For the music leader. According to Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A psalm.

77 I cry out loud to God—
out loud to God so that he can hear me!
2 During the day when I’m in trouble I look for my Lord.
At night my hands are still outstretched and don’t grow numb;
my whole being[a] refuses to be comforted.
3 I remember God and I moan.
I complain, and my spirit grows tired. Selah

4 You’ve kept my eyelids from closing.
I’m so upset I can’t even speak.
5 I think about days long past;
I remember years that seem an eternity in the past.
6 I meditate with my heart at night;[b]
I complain, and my spirit keeps searching:
7 “Will my Lord reject me forever?
Will he never be pleased again?
8 Has his faithful love come to a complete end?
Is his promise over for future generations?
9 Has God forgotten how to be gracious?
Has he angrily stopped up his compassion?” Selah
10 It’s my misfortune, I thought,
that the strong hand of the Most High is different now.

11 But I will remember the Lord’s deeds;
yes, I will remember your wondrous acts from times long past.
12 I will meditate on all your works;
I will ponder your deeds.
13 God, your way is holiness!
Who is as great a god as you, God?
14 You are the God who works wonders;
you have demonstrated your strength among all peoples.
15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people;
redeemed the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

16 The waters saw you, God—
the waters saw you and reeled!
Even the deep depths shook!
17 The clouds poured water,
the skies cracked thunder;
your arrows were flying all around!
18 The crash of your thunder was in the swirling storm;
lightning lit up the whole world;
the earth shook and quaked.
19 Your way went straight through the sea;
your pathways went right through the mighty waters.
But your footprints left no trace!
20 You led your people like sheep
under the care of Moses and Aaron.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 77:2 Or soul
  2. Psalm 77:6 LXX; MT I remember my song in the night.
Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Proverbs 24:23-25

More sayings of the wise

23 These are also the sayings of the wise:

Partiality in judgment isn’t good.

24 Those who say to the guilty, “You are innocent”—
the people will curse them.
Nations will condemn them.
25 But it will go well for those who rebuke them.
A rich blessing will come to them.

Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

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The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Monday October 4, 2021 (NIV)

Jeremiah 2:31-4:18

31 People of this generation, listen closely to the Lord’s word:
Have I been a wasteland to Israel
or a land of dense darkness?
Why then do my people say,
“We have wandered far away;
we’ll come to you no longer”?
32 Does a young woman forget her jewelry
or a bride her wedding dress?
Yet you have forgotten me days without end!
33 So skilled are you at pursuing lovers[a]
that you instruct even the most wicked.[b]
34 Your garments are stained
with the blood of the innocent poor,
even though you didn’t catch them
breaking and entering.
Yet, despite all this,[c] 35 you still insist,
“I’m innocent;
as a result he will turn his anger away from me.”
Because you claim not to have sinned,
I will pass judgment against you.
36 You change sides so casually!
But Egypt will shame you
no less than Assyria.
37 From there you will go out
with your hands on your heads,
because the Lord has rejected those you rely on;
they won’t help you.

Jeremiah’s summons to change

3 If a man divorces his wife,
and after she leaves him marries another,
can he return to her again?
Wouldn’t such an act completely corrupt the land?
Yet you have prostituted yourself with many lovers.
Would you return to me?
declares the Lord.
2 Look to the well-traveled paths[d] and see!
Where haven’t you committed adultery?
On the roadsides you sit in wait for lovers,
like a nomad in the wilderness.
You have corrupted the land
with your cheap and reckless behavior.
3 That’s why the showers have failed
and the spring rains have ceased.
Still you act like a brazen prostitute[e]
who refuses to blush.
4 At the same time you say to me,
“My father, my friend since youth,
5 will you stay angry forever?
Will you continue to be furious?”
This is what you say
while you do as much evil as you possibly can.

6 During the rule of King Josiah, the Lord said to me: Have you noticed what unfaithful Israel has done? She’s gone about looking for lovers on top of every high hill and under every lush tree. 7 I thought that after she had done all this she would return to me, but she didn’t. Her disloyal sister Judah saw this. 8 She[f] also saw that I sent unfaithful Israel away with divorce papers because of all her acts of unfaithfulness; yet disloyal sister Judah was not afraid but kept on playing the prostitute. 9 She didn’t think twice about corrupting the land and committing adultery with stone and tree. 10 Yet even after all this, disloyal sister Judah didn’t return to me with all her heart but only insincerely, declares the Lord. 11 Then the Lord said to me: Unfaithful Israel is less guilty[g] than disloyal Judah.

12 Go proclaim these words to the north and say:

Return, unfaithful Israel,
declares the Lord.
I won’t reject you,
for I’m faithful,
declares the Lord;
I won’t stay angry forever.
13 Only acknowledge your wrongdoing:
how you have rebelled against the Lord your God,
and given yourself to strangers
under every lush tree
and haven’t obeyed me,
declares the Lord.
14 Return, rebellious children,
declares the Lord,
for I’m your husband.
I’ll gather you—
one from a city and two from a tribe—
and bring you back to Zion.

15 I will appoint shepherds with whom I’m pleased, and they will lead you with knowledge and understanding. 16 And in those days, when your numbers have greatly increased in the land, declares the Lord, people will no longer talk about the Lord’s covenant chest; they won’t recall or remember it; they won’t even miss it or try to build another one. 17 At that time, they will call Jerusalem the Lord’s throne, and all nations will gather there to honor the Lord’s name. No longer will they follow their own willful and evil hearts. 18 In those days the people of Judah and Israel will leave the north together for the land that I gave their ancestors as an inheritance.

19 I thought to myself, How wonderful it would be
to treat you like children
and give you a beautiful land,
an inheritance unrivaled among the nations.
And I thought, You will call me father,
and you won’t turn away from me.
20 But as a woman betrays her lover,
so you, people of Israel, have betrayed me,
declares the Lord.
21 A voice is heard on the well-traveled paths;[h]
it’s the crying and pleading of the people of Israel,
who have lost their way
and forgotten the Lord their God.
22 Return, rebellious children,
and I will heal your rebellion.

“Here we are; we come to you,
for you are the Lord our God.
23 Surely what happens on the hills[i] is a waste,
as is the uproar on the mountains.
Only in the Lord our God
is the salvation of Israel.
24 From our youth, shame[j] has devoured
the fruit of our parents’ labor—
their flocks and herds,
as well as their sons and daughters.
25 Let’s lie down in our shame.
Let our dishonor cover us,
for we have sinned against the Lord our God,
both we and our ancestors,
from our youth to this very day.
We have disobeyed the voice of the Lord our God.”

4 If you return, Israel, return to me, declares the Lord.
If you get rid of your disgusting idols from my presence
and wander no more,
2 and if you swear by the living God
in truth, justice, and righteousness,
then the nations will enjoy God’s blessings;[k]
they will boast about him.

3 This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and to the residents of Jerusalem:

Break up your hard rocky soil;
don’t plant among the thorns.
4 Dedicate[l] yourselves to the Lord;
don’t be thick-skinned,[m]
people of Judah and residents of Jerusalem,
or else my anger will spread like a wildfire.
It will burn, with no one to put it out,
because of your evil deeds.

Disaster approaches

5 Announce in Judah,
in Jerusalem proclaim,
sound the alarm throughout the land,
cry out and say,
“Gather together!
Let’s flee to the fortified towns!”
6 Set up a flag to Zion;
take cover, don’t just stand there!
I’m bringing disaster from the north,
massive devastation.
7 A lion bursts out of the thicket;
a destroyer of nations advances.
He’s gone forth from his place
to ravage your land,
to wipe out your towns,
until no one is left.
8 So put on funeral clothing.
Weep and wail,
for the Lord’s fierce anger
hasn’t turned away from us.
9 On that day, declares the Lord,
the courage of the king and his princes will fail,
the priests will be stunned,
and the prophets will be shocked.
10 Then I said, “Lord God, no!
You have utterly deceived this people and Jerusalem
by promising them peace
even though the sword is at their throats.”
11 At that time, this people and Jerusalem will be told:
A blistering wind from the bare heights;
it rages in the desert toward my people,
not merely to winnow or cleanse.
12 This wind is too devastating for that.
Now I, even I, will pronounce my sentence against them.
13 Look! He approaches like the clouds;
his chariots advance like a tempest,
his horses swifter than eagles.
How horrible! We’re doomed!
14 Cleanse your heart of evil, Jerusalem,
that you may be saved.
How long will you entertain your destructive ideas?
15 A voice declares from Dan;
someone proclaims disaster from the highlands of Ephraim.
16 Warn the nations,
proclaim it to Jerusalem!
Armies are approaching from a far-away country,
raising their war cries against the towns of Judah.
17 They hem her in like those guarding a field,
because she has rebelled against me,
declares the Lord.
18 Your own conduct, your own deeds have done this to you.
This is your payment and how bitter it is,
piercing into the depths of your heart.

Footnotes:

  1. Jeremiah 2:33 Or love
  2. Jeremiah 2:33 Or you have taught your ways to wicked women.
  3. Jeremiah 2:34 Heb uncertain
  4. Jeremiah 3:2 Or bare heights
  5. Jeremiah 3:3 Or You have a prostitute’s forehead.
  6. Jeremiah 3:8 LXX, Syr; MT I
  7. Jeremiah 3:11 Or more righteous
  8. Jeremiah 3:21 Or bare heights
  9. Jeremiah 3:23 LXX, Syr, Vulg; MT from the hills
  10. Jeremiah 3:24 Or the shame
  11. Jeremiah 4:2 Or bless themselves in him or be blessed by him or will bless themselves
  12. Jeremiah 4:4 Or circumcise
  13. Jeremiah 4:4 Or remove the foreskins of your hearts
Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Colossians 1:1-17

Greeting

1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy our brother.

2 To the holy and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

Thanksgiving and prayer for the Colossians

3 We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. 4 We’ve done this since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all God’s people. 5 You have this faith and love because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. You previously heard about this hope through the true message, the good news, 6 which has come to you. This message has been bearing fruit and growing among you since the day you heard and truly understood God’s grace, in the same way that it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, who is the fellow slave we love and Christ’s faithful minister for your sake. 8 He informed us of your love in the Spirit.

9 Because of this, since the day we heard about you, we haven’t stopped praying for you and asking for you to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, with all wisdom and spiritual understanding. 10 We’re praying this so that you can live lives that are worthy of the Lord and pleasing to him in every way: by producing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God; 11 by being strengthened through his glorious might so that you endure everything and have patience; 12 and by giving thanks with joy to the Father. He made it so you could take part in the inheritance, in light granted to God’s holy people. 13 He rescued us from the control of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. 14 He set us free through the Son and forgave our sins.

Hymn about Christ’s work

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God,
the one who is first over all creation,[a]

16 Because all things were created by him:
both in the heavens and on the earth,
the things that are visible and the things that are invisible.
Whether they are thrones or powers,
or rulers or authorities,
all things were created through him and for him.

17 He existed before all things,
and all things are held together in him.

Footnotes:

  1. Colossians 1:15 Or firstborn of all creation
Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Psalm 76

Psalm 76

For the music leader. With stringed instruments. A psalm of Asaph. A song.

76 God is known in Judah;
his name is great in Israel.
2 His dwelling place became Salem;
his habitation was Zion.
3 It was there that he broke the fiery shafts of the bow,
the shield, the sword—even the battle itself! Selah

4 You are ablaze with light,
mightier than the mountains that give food.
5 The bravehearted lie plundered.
They sank into deep lethargy.
All the strong troops
couldn’t even lift their hands!
6 At your rebuke, Jacob’s God,
both chariot and horse were stopped dead-still.

7 You! You are awesome!
Who can stand before you when you are angry?
8 You have announced judgment from heaven.
The earth grew afraid and fell silent
9 when God rose up to establish justice,
when God rose up to save all of the earth’s poor. Selah

10 Even human rage will turn to your praise
when you dress yourself
with whatever remains of your wrath.[a]
11 Make promises to the Lord your God and keep them!
Let all around him bring gifts to the awesome one.
12 He breaks the spirit of princes.
He is terrifying to all the kings of the earth.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 76:10 Heb uncertain
Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Proverbs 24:21-22

21 Fear the Lord, my child, as well as the king.
Don’t associate with those who are rebellious.
22 Disaster comes suddenly from them.
Who can know the ruin that both can bring?

Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Posted on

The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Sunday October 3, 2021 (NIV)

Jeremiah 1:1-2:30

Introduction

1 These are the words of Jeremiah, Hilkiah’s son, who was one of the priests from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. 2 The Lord’s word came to Jeremiah in the thirteenth year of Judah’s King Josiah, Amon’s son, 3 and throughout the rule of Judah’s King Jehoiakim, Josiah’s son, until the fifth month of the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, Josiah’s son, when the people of Jerusalem were taken into exile.

Call of Jeremiah

4 The Lord’s word came to me:

5 “Before I created you in the womb I knew you;
before you were born I set you apart;
I made you a prophet to the nations.”
6 “Ah, Lord God,” I said, “I don’t know how to speak
because I’m only a child.”
7 The Lord responded,
“Don’t say, ‘I’m only a child.’
Where I send you, you must go;
what I tell you, you must say.
8 Don’t be afraid of them,
because I’m with you to rescue you,”
declares the Lord.
9 Then the Lord stretched out his hand,
touched my mouth, and said to me,
“I’m putting my words in your mouth.
10 This very day I appoint you over nations and empires,
to dig up and pull down,
to destroy and demolish,
to build and plant.”

Jeremiah’s mission confirmed

11 The Lord asked me, “What do you see, Jeremiah?”

I said, “A branch of an almond[a] tree.”

12 The Lord then said, “You are right, for I’m watching over[b] my word until it is fulfilled.” 13 The Lord asked me again, “What do you see?”

I said, “A pot boiling over from the north.”

14 The Lord said to me, “Trouble will erupt from the north against the people of this land.”

15 I’m calling for all the tribes of great nations from the north, says the Lord, and they will set up their rulers by the entrances of Jerusalem, on its walls, and in every city of Judah. 16 I will declare my judgment against them for doing evil: for abandoning me, worshipping other gods, and trusting in the works of their hands. 17 But you must prepare for battle and be ready to utter every word I command you. Don’t be frightened before them, or I will frighten you before them. 18 Today I have made you an armed city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall against the entire land—the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests, and all its people. 19 They will attack you, but they won’t defeat you, because I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord.

God’s people abandon their God

2 The Lord’s word came to me:
2 Go and proclaim to the people of Jerusalem,
The Lord proclaims:
I remember your first love,[c]
your devotion as a young bride,
how you followed me in the wilderness,
in an unplanted land.
3 Israel was devoted to the Lord,
the early produce of the harvest.
Whoever ate from it became guilty;
disaster overtook them,
declares the Lord.
4 Listen to the Lord’s word,
people of Judah,
all you families of the Israelite household.

5 This is what the Lord says:

What wrong did your ancestors find in me
that made them wander so far?
They pursued what was worthless
and became worthless.
6 They didn’t ask,
“Where’s the Lord who brought us up from the land of Egypt,
who led us through the wilderness,
in a land of deserts and ravines,
in a land of drought and darkness,
in a land of no return,
where no one survives?”
7 I brought you into a land of plenty,
to enjoy its gifts and goodness,
but you ruined my land;
you disgraced my heritage.
8 The priests didn’t ask,
“Where’s the Lord?”
Those responsible for the Instruction didn’t know me;
the leaders rebelled against me;
the prophets spoke in the name of Baal,
going after what has no value.
9 That is why I will take you to court
and charge even your descendants,
declares the Lord.
10 Look to the west as far as the shores of Cyprus
and to the east as far as the land of Kedar.
Ask anyone there:
Has anything this odd ever taken place?
11 Has a nation switched gods,
though they aren’t really gods at all?
Yet my people have exchanged their glory
for what has no value.
12 Be stunned at such a thing, you heavens;
shudder and quake,
declares the Lord.
13 My people have committed two crimes:
They have forsaken me, the spring of living water.
And they have dug wells, broken wells that can’t hold water.

14 Is Israel a slave,
a servant by birth?
If not, why then has he become prey?
15 Lions roar at him; they growl.
They destroy his land
and make his towns desolate
until nothing is left.
16 As well, the people of Memphis and Tahpanhes
lay open your scalp.
17 Haven’t you brought this on yourself
by abandoning the Lord your God,
who has directed your paths?
18 So why take the path to Egypt
to drink water from the Nile?
Why travel the path to Assyria
to drink water from the Euphrates?
19 Your wrongdoing will punish you.
Your acts of unfaithfulness will find you out.
Don’t you understand how terribly bitter
it is to abandon the Lord your God
and not fear me?
declares the Lord of heavenly forces.
20 Long ago I broke your yoke;
I shattered your chains.
But even then you said, “I won’t serve you.”
On every high hill and under every lush tree,
you have acted like a prostitute.
21 Yet it was I who planted you, a precious vine of fine quality;
how could you turn into a wild vine
and become good for nothing?
22 Even though you scrub yourself with soap or strong powder,
the stain of your sin is still before me,
declares the Lord God.
23 How can you say,
“I’m not dirty;
I haven’t gone after Baals.”
Look what you have done in the valley;
consider what you have done there.
You are like a frenzied young camel,
racing around,
24 a wild donkey in the wilderness,
lustfully sniffing the wind.
Who can restrain such passion?
Those who desire her need not give up;
with little effort they will find her in heat.
25 Don’t run about until your feet are blistered
and your throat is parched.
But you say, “What’s the use?
I have fallen in love with foreign gods,
and I must pursue them.”
26 As a thief is ashamed when caught in his tracks,
so the people of Israel are ashamed—
their kings, officials, priests, and prophets—
27 when they say to a piece of wood, “You are my father,”
and to a stone, “You gave me birth.”
They have turned their backs to me
and not their faces.
Yet in their time of trouble they say,
“Arise and save us!”
28 Where are the gods
you have made for yourselves?
Let’s see if they will come through for you in your time of trouble.
You have as many gods, Judah,
as you have towns.
29 Why would you bring charges against me?
You have all rebelled against me,
declares the Lord.
30 I have disciplined your children in vain;
they have rejected my correction.
You have devoured your prophets
like a hungry lion.

Footnotes:

  1. Jeremiah 1:11 Heb shaqed
  2. Jeremiah 1:12 Heb shoqed
  3. Jeremiah 2:2 Or the love of your youth
Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Philippians 4

Stand firm in the Lord

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters whom I love and miss, who are my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord.

Loved ones, 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to come to an agreement in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I’m also asking you, loyal friend, to help these women who have struggled together with me in the ministry of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the scroll of life.

4 Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad! 5 Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. 7 Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.

8 From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. 9 Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. The God of peace will be with you.

Paul’s thanks for gifts

10 I was very glad in the Lord because now at last you have shown concern for me again. (Of course you were always concerned but had no way to show it.) 11 I’m not saying this because I need anything, for I have learned how to be content in any circumstance. 12 I know the experience of being in need and of having more than enough; I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry or whether having plenty or being poor. 13 I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength. 14 Still, you have done well to share my distress.

15 You Philippians know from the time of my first mission work in Macedonia how no church shared in supporting my ministry except you. 16 You sent contributions repeatedly to take care of my needs even while I was in Thessalonica. 17 I’m not hoping for a gift, but I am hoping for a profit that accumulates in your account. 18 I now have plenty and it is more than enough. I am full to overflowing because I received the gifts that you sent from Epaphroditus. Those gifts give off a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice that pleases God. 19 My God will meet your every need out of his riches in the glory that is found in Christ Jesus. 20 Let glory be given to God our Father forever and always. Amen.

Final greeting

21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters with me send you their greeting. 22 All God’s people here, especially those in Caesar’s household, send you their greeting. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.

Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Psalm 75

Psalm 75

For the music leader. Do not destroy. A psalm of Asaph. A song.

75 We give thanks to you, God. Yes, we give thanks!
Your name is near. Your marvelous deeds are declared.

2 God says,[a] “When I decide the time is right,
I will establish justice just so.
3 The earth and all its inhabitants will melt,
but I will keep its pillars steady.” Selah

4 I said to the arrogant,
“Don’t be arrogant!”
To the wicked I said,
“Don’t exalt your strength!
5 Don’t exalt your strength so highly.
Don’t speak so arrogantly against the rock.”[b]
6 Because what exalts someone
doesn’t come from the east or west;
it’s not from the south either.
7 Rather it is God who is the judge.
He brings this person down,
but that person he lifts up.
8 Indeed, there’s a cup in the Lord’s hand
full of foaming wine, mixed with spice.
He will pour it out,
and all of the earth’s wicked people
must drink it;
they must drink every last drop!

9 But I will rejoice[c] always;
I will sing praises to Jacob’s God!
10 God says:[d]
“I will demolish every bit of the wicked’s power,
but the strength of the righteous will be lifted up.”

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 75:2 Heb lacks God says.
  2. Psalm 75:5 LXX against God; MT speak with an arrogant neck
  3. Psalm 75:9 LXX; MT I will declare
  4. Psalm 75:10 Heb lacks God says.
Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Proverbs 24:17-20

17 When your enemies fall, don’t rejoice.
When they stumble, don’t let your heart be glad,
18 or the Lord will see it and be displeased,
and he will turn his anger from them.
19 Don’t get fighting mad at evil people;
don’t be envious of the wicked.
20 Indeed, there is no future for the evil;
the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

Common English Bible (CEB)

Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible

Posted on

The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Saturday October 2, 2021 (NIV)

Isaiah 66

Final Judgment and Joyous Restoration

66 This is what the Lord says:

Heaven(A) is my throne,(B)
and earth is my footstool.(C)
Where could you possibly build a house for me?
And where would my resting place be?(D)
2 My hand made all these things,
and so they all came into being.
This is the Lord’s declaration.
I will look favorably on this kind of person:
one who is humble,(E) submissive[a] in spirit,(F)
and trembles at my word.
3 One person slaughters an ox, another kills a person;
one person sacrifices a lamb, another breaks a dog’s neck;
one person offers a grain offering, another offers pig’s blood;
one person offers incense, another praises an idol—
all these have chosen their ways
and delight in their abhorrent practices.(G)
4 So I will choose their punishment,
and I will bring on them what they dread
because I called and no one answered;
I spoke and they did not listen;
they did what was evil in my sight
and chose what I did not delight in.(H)
5 You who tremble at his word,(I)
hear the word of the Lord:(J)
“Your brothers who hate and exclude you
for my name’s sake have said,(K)
‘Let the Lord be glorified
so that we can see your joy!’
But they will be put to shame.”(L)
6 A sound of uproar from the city!
A voice from the temple—
the voice of the Lord,
paying back his enemies what they deserve!(M)
7 Before Zion was in labor, she gave birth;
before she was in pain, she delivered a boy.
8 Who has heard of such a thing?
Who has seen such things?
Can a land be born in one day
or a nation be delivered in an instant?
Yet as soon as Zion was in labor,
she gave birth to her sons.
9 “Will I bring a baby to the point of birth
and not deliver it?”
says the Lord;
“or will I who deliver, close the womb?”
says your God.
10 Be glad for Jerusalem and rejoice over her,
all who love her.(N)
Rejoice greatly with her,
all who mourn over her—
11 so that you may nurse and be satisfied
from her comforting breast
and drink deeply and delight yourselves
from her glorious breasts.

12 For this is what the Lord says:

I will make peace flow to her like a river,(O)
and the wealth[b] of nations like a flood;(P)
you will nurse and be carried on her hip(Q)
and bounced on her lap.
13 As a mother comforts her son,
so I will comfort you,(R)
and you will be comforted in Jerusalem.
14 You will see, you will rejoice,
and you[c] will flourish like grass;(S)
then the Lord’s power will be revealed to his servants,
but he will show his wrath against his enemies.
15 Look, the Lord will come with fire(T)—
his chariots are like the whirlwind(U)—
to execute his anger with fury
and his rebuke with flames of fire.
16 For the Lord will execute judgment
on all humanity(V) with his fiery sword,
and many will be slain by the Lord.

17 “Those who dedicate and purify themselves to enter the groves(W) following their leader,[d] eating meat from pigs, vermin,[e] and rats, will perish together.”

This is the Lord’s declaration.

18 “Knowing[f] their works and their thoughts, I have come to gather all nations and languages;(X) they will come and see my glory. 19 I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put,[g] Lud (who are archers), Tubal, Javan,(Y) and the coasts and islands far away—who have not heard about me or seen my glory. And they will proclaim my glory among the nations.(Z) 20 They will bring all your brothers from all the nations as a gift to the Lord on horses and chariots, in litters, and on mules and camels, to my holy mountain Jerusalem,”(AA) says the Lord, “just as the Israelites bring an offering in a clean vessel to the house of the Lord. 21 I will also take some of them as priests and Levites,”(AB) says the Lord.

22 “For just as the new heavens and the new earth,(AC)
which I will make,
will remain before me”—
this is the Lord’s declaration—
“so your offspring and your name will remain.
23 All humanity will come to worship me
from one New Moon to another
and from one Sabbath to another,”
says the Lord.

24 “As they leave, they will see the dead bodies of those who have rebelled against me;(AD) for their worm(AE) will never die, their fire will never go out,(AF) and they will be a horror to all humanity.”(AG)

Footnotes:

  1. 66:2 Lit broken
  2. 66:12 Or glory
  3. 66:14 Lit your bones
  4. 66:17 Hb obscure
  5. 66:17 Lit abhorrent things
  6. 66:18 LXX, Syr; MT omits Knowing
  7. 66:19 LXX; MT reads Pul

Cross references:

  1. 66:1–2 : Ac 7:49–50
  2. 66:1 : Ps 11:4; Mt 5:34–35; 23:22
  3. 66:1 : 1Ch 28:2; Ps 99:5
  4. 66:1 : 2Sm 7:5; 1Kg 8:27; Jr 23:24
  5. 66:2 : Ps 86:1; Pr 16:19; Mt 11:29
  6. 66:2 : Ps 34:18; Mt 5:3; 1Tm 2:11
  7. 66:3 : Am 5:21–25
  8. 66:4 : 2Kg 21:2,6; Is 59:7; 65:12; Jr 7:30
  9. 66:5 : Ezr 9:4; 10:3
  10. 66:5 : Is 28:14
  11. 66:5 : Mt 5:10–12; 10:22; Jn 9:34; 15:18–20
  12. 66:5 : Is 26:11; 44:9; 65:13
  13. 66:6 : Is 59:18; 65:6; Jl 3:7
  14. 66:10 : Ps 122:6; 137:6; Is 65:18
  15. 66:12 : Ps 72:3,7; Is 48:18
  16. 66:12 : Is 61:6
  17. 66:12 : Is 60:4–5
  18. 66:13 : Ps 86:17; Is 40:1; 49:13; 51:13; 52:9; 2Co 1:3–4
  19. 66:14 : Ps 72:16; Pr 11:28; Is 58:11
  20. 66:15 : Is 33:14; Mal 3:1–2; 2Th 1:7–8; 2Pt 3:7
  21. 66:15 : Ps 68:17; Is 5:28; Hab 3:8
  22. 66:16 : Gn 6:12; Jr 12:12; 25:31; Ezk 20:48; 21:4–5
  23. 66:17 : Is 65:3–5
  24. 66:18 : Is 45:22–25; Jr 3:17
  25. 66:19 : Gn 10:2,5; 1Kg 10:22; Jr 46:9; Ezk 27:10,13
  26. 66:19 : 1Ch 16:24; Ps 96:3
  27. 66:20 : Ps 2:6; Is 56:7; Ezk 20:40; Jl 3:17
  28. 66:21 : Ex 19:6; Is 61:6; 1Pt 2:5,9; Rv 1:6
  29. 66:22 : Is 65:17; Heb 12:26–27; 2Pt 3:13; Rv 21:1
  30. 66:24 : Is 1:2; 5:25; 34:3
  31. 66:24 : Jb 7:5; Is 14:11
  32. 66:24 : Mk 9:48
  33. 66:24 : Dn 12:2
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

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Philippians 3:4-21

4 although I have reasons for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised the eighth day;(A) of the nation of Israel,(B) of the tribe of Benjamin,(C) a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law,(D) a Pharisee; 6 regarding zeal,(E) persecuting(F) the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law,(G) blameless.(H)

7 But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value(I) of knowing Christ(J) Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ(K) 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law,(L) but one that is through faith in Christ[a]—the righteousness from God based on faith.(M) 10 My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings,(N) being conformed to his death,(O) 11 assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.

Reaching Forward to God’s Goal

12 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold(P) of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not[b] consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind(Q) and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly[c] call in Christ Jesus.(R) 15 Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal(S) this also to you. 16 In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained. 17 Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us. 18 For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross(T) of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory(U) is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things. 20 Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious(V) body,(W) by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.

Footnotes:

  1. 3:9 Or through the faithfulness of Christ
  2. 3:13 Other mss read not yet
  3. 3:14 Or upward

Cross references:

  1. 3:5 : Gn 17:12,25; 21:4; Lv 12:3; Lk 1:59; 2:21
  2. 3:5 : Rm 9:6
  3. 3:5 : Ps 68:27
  4. 3:5 : Ac 5:34; 22:3; Gl 1:14; 5:4
  5. 3:6 : Rm 10:2
  6. 3:6 : Ac 22:2–5; 26:9–11; 1Co 15:9; Gl 1:13; 1Tm 1:13; 2Tm 3:12
  7. 3:6 : Rm 3:21; 9:31; 10:4–5; Gl 2:21; 3:21
  8. 3:6 : Lk 1:6; Rm 7:9–10
  9. 3:8 : Php 2:3
  10. 3:8 : Jn 17:3; 2Co 4:6; Gl 4:8–9; Php 1:15; Col 2:2; 1Jn 4:8
  11. 3:8 : 1Pt 3:1
  12. 3:9 : Rm 10:5
  13. 3:9 : Rm 3:22; 10:4; Gl 2:21; Heb 11:7
  14. 3:10 : Rm 8:17; 2Co 1:5–7; Col 1:24; 1Pt 4:13; 5:1,9
  15. 3:10 : Rm 6:5; 8:36; 2Co 4:7–12; 12:9–10; Gl 6:17
  16. 3:12 : Jn 1:5; 12:35; Rm 9:30; 1Co 9:24; Eph 3:18
  17. 3:13 : Lk 9:62; 17:31
  18. 3:14 : Rm 16:7; Eph 2:6; Php 1:1,15; 1Pt 5:14
  19. 3:15 : Lk 10:21
  20. 3:18 : Lk 23:26; 1Co 1:17; Gl 6:12
  21. 3:19 : Lk 14:10; Jn 5:41,44; 8:50,54; 12:43; Rm 9:4; 1Co 11:15; 2Co 6:8; 1Th 2:6
  22. 3:21 : 1Pt 5:4
  23. 3:21 : 1Co 6:13; 1Jn 3:2
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Psalm 74

Psalm 74

Prayer for Israel

A Maskil of Asaph.(A)

1 Why have you rejected us forever, God?
Why does your anger burn
against the sheep of your pasture?(B)
2 Remember your congregation,
which you purchased long ago
and redeemed as the tribe for your own possession.(C)
Remember Mount Zion where you dwell.(D)
3 Make your way[a] to the perpetual ruins,
to all that the enemy has destroyed in the sanctuary.(E)
4 Your adversaries roared in the meeting place
where you met with us.[b]
They set up their emblems as signs.(F)
5 It was like men in a thicket of trees,
wielding axes,(G)
6 then smashing all the carvings
with hatchets and picks.(H)
7 They set your sanctuary on fire;
they utterly[c] desecrated
the dwelling place of your name.(I)
8 They said in their hearts,
“Let’s oppress them relentlessly.”
They burned every place throughout the land
where God met with us.[d](J)
9 There are no signs for us to see.
There is no longer a prophet.
And none of us knows how long this will last.(K)
10 God, how long will the enemy mock?
Will the foe insult your name forever?(L)
11 Why do you hold back your hand?
Stretch out[e] your right hand and destroy them!(M)

12 God my King is from ancient times,
performing saving acts on the earth.(N)
13 You divided the sea with your strength;
you smashed the heads of the sea monsters in the water;(O)
14 you crushed the heads of Leviathan;
you fed him to the creatures of the desert. (P)
15 You opened up springs and streams;(Q)
you dried up ever-flowing rivers.(R)
16 The day is yours, also the night;
you established the moon and the sun.(S)
17 You set all the boundaries of the earth;
you made summer and winter.(T)

18 Remember this: the enemy has mocked the Lord,
and a foolish people has insulted your name.(U)
19 Do not give to beasts the life of your dove;[f]
do not forget the lives of your poor people forever.(V)
20 Consider the covenant,(W)
for the dark places of the land are full of violence.(X)
21 Do not let the oppressed turn away in shame;
let the poor and needy praise your name.(Y)
22 Rise up, God, champion your cause!(Z)
Remember the insults
that fools bring against you all day long.(AA)
23 Do not forget the clamor of your adversaries,
the tumult of your opponents that goes up constantly.(AB)

Footnotes:

  1. 74:3 Lit Lift up your steps
  2. 74:4 Lit in your meeting place
  3. 74:7 Lit they to the ground
  4. 74:8 Lit every meeting place of God in the land
  5. 74:11 Lit From your bosom
  6. 74:19 One Hb ms, LXX, Syr read life that praises you

Cross references:

  1. 74:0 : 1Ch 16:5,7
  2. 74:1 : Ex 32:11; Ps 60:1,10; 108:11
  3. 74:2 : Is 63:17; Jr 10:16; 51:19
  4. 74:2 : Is 8:18
  5. 74:3 : Ps 79:1; Is 61:4
  6. 74:4 : Nm 2:2; Lm 2:6–7
  7. 74:5 : Jr 46:22
  8. 74:6 : Lm 2:2
  9. 74:7 : 2Kg 25:9; Ps 79:1
  10. 74:8 : Jos 18:1; 1Sm 3:21; 7:16; 2Ch 17:9; Ps 83:4
  11. 74:9 : 1Sm 3:1; Lm 2:9; Ezk 7:26
  12. 74:10 : Ps 79:12; 89:51
  13. 74:11 : Ps 59:13; Lm 2:3
  14. 74:12 : Ps 47:6–8; 95:3; Jr 10:10
  15. 74:13 : Ex 14:21; Is 51:9; Ezk 32:2
  16. 74:14 : Jb 41:1; Ps 104:26; Is 27:1
  17. 74:15 : Ps 104:10–11
  18. 74:15 : Is 42:15; 44:27
  19. 74:16 : Gn 1:14–18; Ps 104:19
  20. 74:17 : Gn 8:22; Jb 38:10–11; Pr 8:29; Jr 5:22
  21. 74:18 : Ps 14:1; 53:1; 89:51
  22. 74:19 : Ps 9:18; 68:10
  23. 74:20 : Dt 4:31; Ps 106:45
  24. 74:20 : Ezk 7:23
  25. 74:21 : Ps 9:9; 103:6; Is 41:7
  26. 74:22 : Ps 9:19; 82:8
  27. 74:22 : Ps 79:12
  28. 74:23 : Ps 65:7
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

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Proverbs 24:15-16

15 Don’t set an ambush, you wicked one,
at the camp of the righteous man;(A)
don’t destroy his dwelling.
16 Though a righteous person falls seven times,
he will get up,(B)
but the wicked will stumble into ruin.(C)

Cross references:

  1. 24:15 : Pr 10:9–10
  2. 24:16 : Jb 5:19; Ps 37:24
  3. 24:16 : Pr 14:32; 29:16
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

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Posted on

The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Friday October 1, 2021 (NIV)

Isaiah 62:6-65:25

6 Jerusalem,
I have appointed watchmen on your walls;(A)
they will never be silent, day or night.
There is no rest for you,
who remind the Lord.
7 Do not give him rest
until he establishes and makes Jerusalem
the praise of the earth.(B)

8 The Lord has sworn with his right hand
and his strong arm:
I will no longer give your grain
to your enemies for food,(C)
and foreigners will not drink the new wine
for which you have labored.
9 For those who gather grain will eat it
and praise the Lord,
and those who harvest the grapes will drink the wine
in my holy courts.
10 Go out, go out through the city gates;
prepare a way for the people!
Build it up, build up the highway;(D)
clear away the stones!
Raise a banner for the peoples.(E)
11 Look, the Lord has proclaimed
to the ends of the earth,
“Say to Daughter Zion:(F)
Look, your salvation is coming,
his wages are with him,(G)
and his reward accompanies him.”
12 And they will be called[a] the Holy People,(H)
the Lord’s Redeemed;
and you will be called Cared For,
A City Not Deserted.

The Lord’s Day of Vengeance

63 Who is this coming from Edom(I)
in crimson-stained garments from Bozrah—
this one who is splendid in his apparel,
striding in his formidable[b] might?
It is I, proclaiming vindication,[c]
powerful to save.
2 Why are your clothes red,
and your garments like one who treads a winepress?(J)
3 I trampled the winepress alone,
and no one from the nations was with me.
I trampled them in my anger
and ground them underfoot in my fury;
their blood spattered my garments,
and all my clothes were stained.
4 For I planned the day of vengeance,(K)
and the year of my redemption[d] came.

5 I looked, but there was no one to help,(L)
and I was amazed that no one assisted;
so my arm accomplished victory for me,
and my wrath assisted me.

6 I crushed nations in my anger;
I made them drunk with my wrath(M)
and poured out their blood on the ground.(N)

Remembrance of Grace

7 I will make known the Lord’s faithful love
and the Lord’s praiseworthy acts,
because of all the Lord has done for us—
even the many good things
he has done for the house of Israel,
which he did for them based on his compassion
and the abundance of his faithful love.
8 He said, “They are indeed my people,
children who will not be disloyal,”
and he became their Savior.
9 In all their suffering, he suffered,[e](O)
and the angel of his presence saved them.
He redeemed them
because of his love and compassion;(P)
he lifted them up and carried them
all the days of the past.(Q)
10 But they rebelled
and grieved his Holy Spirit.(R)
So he became their enemy
and fought against them.
11 Then he[f] remembered the days of the past,
the days of Moses and his people.
Where is he who brought them out of the sea
with the shepherds[g] of his flock?
Where is he who put his Holy Spirit among the flock?
12 He made his glorious strength
available at the right hand of Moses,
divided the water before them(S)
to make an eternal name for himself,
13 and led them through the depths
like a horse in the wilderness,
so that they did not stumble.

14 Like cattle that go down into the valley,
the Spirit of the Lord gave them[h] rest.
You led your people this way
to make a glorious name for yourself.

Israel’s Prayer

15 Look down from heaven and see(T)
from your lofty home—holy and beautiful.
Where is your zeal and your might?
Your yearning[i] and your compassion
are withheld from me.
16 Yet you are our Father,
even though Abraham does not know us
and Israel doesn’t recognize us.
You, Lord, are our Father;
your name is Our Redeemer(U)
from Ancient Times.
17 Why, Lord, do you make us stray from your ways?
You harden our hearts so we do not fear[j] you.(V)
Return, because of your servants,
the tribes of your heritage.
18 Your holy people had a possession[k]
for a little while,
but our enemies have trampled down
your sanctuary.(W)
19 We have become like those you never ruled,
like those who did not bear your name.(X)

64 If only you would tear the heavens open
and come down,(Y)
so that mountains would quake at your presence(Z)—
2 just as fire kindles brushwood,
and fire boils water—
to make your name known to your enemies,
so that nations would tremble at your presence!
3 When you did awesome works(AA)
that we did not expect,
you came down,(AB)
and the mountains quaked at your presence.
4 From ancient times no one has heard,
no one has listened to,
no eye has seen any God except you
who acts on behalf of the one who waits for him.(AC)
5 You welcome the one who joyfully does what is right;
they remember you in your ways.
But we have sinned, and you were angry.
How can we be saved if we remain in our sins?[l]
6 All of us have become like something unclean,
and all our righteous acts are like a polluted[m] garment;(AD)
all of us wither like a leaf,(AE)
and our iniquities(AF) carry us away like the wind.
7 No one calls on your name,
striving to take hold of you.
For you have hidden your face from us(AG)
and made us melt because of[n][o] our iniquity.
8 Yet Lord, you are our Father;(AH)
we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we all are the work of your hands.(AI)
9 Lord, do not be terribly angry
or remember our iniquity forever.(AJ)
Please look—all of us are your people!
10 Your holy cities have become a wilderness;
Zion has become a wilderness,
Jerusalem a desolation.(AK)
11 Our holy and beautiful[p] temple,
where our ancestors praised you,
has been burned down,
and all that was dear to us lies in ruins.(AL)
12 Lord, after all this, will you restrain yourself?
Will you keep silent and afflict us severely?(AM)

The Lord’s Response

65 “I was sought by those who did not ask;
I was found by those who did not seek me.
I said, ‘Here I am, here I am,’
to a nation that did not call on[q] my name.(AN)
2 I spread out my hands all day long
to a rebellious people(AO)
who walk in the path that is not good,
following their own thoughts.
3 These people continually anger me
to my face,
sacrificing in gardens,(AP)
burning incense on bricks,
4 sitting among the graves,
spending nights in secret places,
eating the meat of pigs,(AQ)
and putting polluted broth in their bowls.[r]
5 They say, ‘Keep to yourself,
don’t come near me, for I am too holy for you!’
These practices are smoke in my nostrils,
a fire that burns all day long.
6 Look, it is written in front of me:
I will not keep silent,(AR) but I will repay;(AS)
I will repay them fully[s]
7 for your iniquities and the iniquities(AT)
of your[t] ancestors together,”
says the Lord.
“Because they burned incense on the mountains
and reproached me on the hills,(AU)
I will reward them fully[u]
for their former deeds.”

8 The Lord says this:

“As the new wine is found in a bunch of grapes,
and one says, ‘Don’t destroy it,
for there’s some good[v] in it,’
so I will act because of my servants
and not destroy them all.
9 I will produce descendants from Jacob,(AV)
and heirs to my mountains from Judah;
my chosen(AW) ones will possess it,
and my servants will dwell there.(AX)
10 Sharon will be a pasture for flocks,(AY)
and the Valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down,(AZ)
for my people who have sought me.(BA)
11 But you who abandon the Lord,
who forget my holy mountain,
who prepare a table for Fortune
and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny,[w]
12 I will destine you for the sword,
and all of you will kneel down to be slaughtered,
because I called and you did not answer,
I spoke and you did not hear;
you did what was evil in my sight
and chose what I did not delight in.”(BB)

13 Therefore, this is what the Lord God says:

“Look! My servants will eat,
but you will be hungry.
Look! My servants will drink,
but you will be thirsty.
Look! My servants will rejoice,
but you will be put to shame.
14 Look! My servants will shout for joy from a glad heart,
but you will cry out from an anguished heart,
and you will lament out of a broken spirit.
15 You will leave your name behind
as a curse for my chosen ones,(BC)
and the Lord God will kill you;
but he will give his servants another name.(BD)
16 Whoever asks for a blessing in the land
will ask for a blessing by the God of truth,(BE)
and whoever swears in the land
will swear by the God of truth.
For the former troubles will be forgotten
and hidden from my sight.

A New Creation

17 “For I will create new heavens and a new earth;(BF)
the past events will not be remembered or come to mind.
18 Then be glad and rejoice forever
in what I am creating;
for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy
and its people to be a delight.
19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem
and be glad in my people.
The sound of weeping and crying
will no longer be heard in her.(BG)
20 In her, a nursing infant will no longer live
only a few days,[x]
or an old man not live out his days.
Indeed, the one who dies at a hundred years old
will be mourned as a young man,[y]
and the one who misses a hundred years
will be considered cursed.(BH)
21 People will build houses and live in them;
they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.(BI)
22 They will not build and others live in them;
they will not plant and others eat.
For my people’s lives will be
like the lifetime of a tree.(BJ)
My chosen ones will fully enjoy
the work of their hands.
23 They will not labor without success(BK)
or bear children destined for disaster,
for they will be a people blessed by the Lord
along with their descendants.(BL)
24 Even before they call, I will answer;(BM)
while they are still speaking, I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together,[z]
and the lion will eat straw like cattle,(BN)
but the serpent’s food will be dust!(BO)
They will not do what is evil or destroy
on my entire holy mountain,”(BP)
says the Lord.

Footnotes:

  1. 62:12 Lit will call them
  2. 63:1 Syr, Vg read apparel, striding forward in
  3. 63:1 Or righteousness
  4. 63:4 Or blood retribution
  5. 63:9 Alt Hb tradition reads did not suffer
  6. 63:11 Or they
  7. 63:11 LXX, Tg, Syr read shepherd
  8. 63:14 Lit him
  9. 63:15 Lit The agitation of your inward parts
  10. 63:17 Lit our heart from fearing
  11. 63:18 Or Your people possessed your holy place
  12. 64:5 Lit angry; in them continually and we will be saved; Hb obscure
  13. 64:6 Lit menstrual
  14. 64:7 LXX, Syr, Vg, Tg read and delivered us into the hand of
  15. 64:7 Lit melt by the hand of
  16. 64:11 Or glorious; Is 60:7
  17. 65:1 Or that was not called by
  18. 65:3–4 These vv. describe pagan worship.
  19. 65:6 Lit repay into their lap
  20. 65:7 LXX, Syr read for their iniquities and the iniquities of their
  21. 65:7 Lit reward into their lap
  22. 65:8 Or there’s a blessing
  23. 65:11 Pagan gods
  24. 65:20 Lit her, no longer infant of days
  25. 65:20 Lit the youth of a hundred years will die
  26. 65:25 Lit as one

Cross references:

  1. 62:6 : Is 52:8; Jr 6:17; Ezk 3:17; 33:7
  2. 62:7 : Is 60:18; Jr 33:9; Zph 3:19–20
  3. 62:8 : Lv 26:16; Dt 28:31,33; Jdg 6:3–6; Is 1:7; Jr 5:17
  4. 62:10 : Is 11:16; 19:23; 35:8; 49:11; 57:14
  5. 62:10 : Is 11:10,12; 49:22
  6. 62:11 : Zch 9:9; Mt 21:5
  7. 62:11 : Is 40:10; Rv 22:12
  8. 62:12 : Dt 7:6; Is 4:3; 1Pt 2:9
  9. 63:1 : Ps 137:7; Is 34:5–6; Ezk 25:12–14; 35:1–15; Ob 1–14; Mal 1:2–5
  10. 63:2 : Rv 19:13–15
  11. 63:4 : Is 34:8; 61:2; Jr 46:10
  12. 63:5 : Is 59:16
  13. 63:6 : Is 29:9; 51:17; Jr 51:39
  14. 63:6 : Rv 14:20
  15. 63:9 : Jdg 10:16
  16. 63:9 : Dt 7:7–8
  17. 63:9 : Dt 1:31; 32:10–12; Is 46:3
  18. 63:10 : Ps 51:11; 78:40; 106:33; Is 48:16; Ac 7:51; Eph 4:30
  19. 63:12 : Ex 14:21; Ps 74:13
  20. 63:15 : Dt 26:15; Ps 80:14
  21. 63:16 : Is 41:14; 43:14
  22. 63:17 : Is 6:10
  23. 63:18 : Ps 74:3–7; Is 64:11
  24. 63:19 : Dt 28:10; Is 43:7; 65:1
  25. 64:1 : Ex 19:18; Ps 18:9; 144:5
  26. 64:1 : Jdg 5:5; Ps 68:8; Nah 1:5
  27. 64:3 : Dt 10:21; 2Sm 7:23; Ps 65:5
  28. 64:3 : Mc 1:3–4; Hab 3:13
  29. 64:4 : 1Co 2:9
  30. 64:6 : Is 61:10; Php 3:7–9
  31. 64:6 : Ps 90:5–6; Is 1:30
  32. 64:6 : Is 13:11
  33. 64:7 : Is 54:8
  34. 64:8 : Is 63:16
  35. 64:8 : Is 29:16; 45:9; Jr 18:2–6; Rm 9:20–21
  36. 64:9 : Is 43:25; 57:17; Mc 7:18
  37. 64:10 : Is 62:4
  38. 64:11 : 2Kg 25:9; Ps 74:5–7; Is 63:18; Mt 23:38
  39. 64:12 : Is 42:14
  40. 65:1 : Is 63:19; Hs 1:10; Rm 10:20; Jms 2:7
  41. 65:2 : Rm 10:21
  42. 65:3 : Is 1:29; 66:17
  43. 65:4 : Lv 11:7; Is 66:3,17
  44. 65:6 : Ps 50:3,21; Is 42:14; 64:12
  45. 65:6 : Jr 16:18
  46. 65:7 : Is 13:11
  47. 65:7 : Ezk 20:27–28; Hs 9:10; Zch 8:14; Mal 3:7
  48. 65:9 : Jr 31:36–37
  49. 65:9 : Is 41:8
  50. 65:9 : Is 49:8; 60:21; Am 9:11–15
  51. 65:10 : Is 33:9; 35:2
  52. 65:10 : Jos 7:26; Hs 2:15
  53. 65:10 : Is 51:1
  54. 65:12 : 2Ch 36:15–16; Pr 1:24; Is 41:28; 50:2; 66:4; Jr 7:13
  55. 65:15 : Jr 24:9; 25:18; Zch 8:13
  56. 65:15 : Is 62:2
  57. 65:16 : Ps 31:5; 2Co 1:20; Rv 3:7,14
  58. 65:17 : Is 66:22; 2Pt 3:13; Rv 21:1
  59. 65:19 : Is 25:8; 30:19; 35:10; 51:11; Rv 7:17; 21:4
  60. 65:20 : Ec 8:12–13; Is 3:11; 22:14
  61. 65:21 : Jos 24:13; Is 37:30; Jr 29:5,28; Ezk 28:26; Zph 1:13
  62. 65:22 : Ps 92:12–14
  63. 65:23 : Dt 28:3–12; Is 55:2
  64. 65:23 : Is 61:9
  65. 65:24 : Ps 91:15; Is 55:6; 58:9; Dn 9:20–23; 10:12
  66. 65:25 : Is 11:6–9
  67. 65:25 : Gn 3:14; Mc 7:17
  68. 65:25 : Is 11:9; 27:13; 56:7
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.

Philippians 2:19-3:3

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 Now I hope in the Lord Jesus(A) to send Timothy(B) to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. 20 For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; 21 all seek their own interests,(C) not those of Jesus Christ.(D) 22 But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father. 23 Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon.(E)

25 But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus(F)—my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need(G)— 26 since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. 27 Indeed, he was so sick that he nearly died. However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice again when you see him and I may be less anxious. 29 Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and hold people like him in honor, 30 because he came close to death for the work(H) of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.

Knowing Christ

3 In addition, my brothers and sisters, rejoice(I) in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a safeguard for you.

2 Watch out for the dogs, watch out for the evil(J) workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision,(K) the ones who worship by the Spirit(L) of God, boast in Christ Jesus,(M) and do not put confidence in the flesh—

Cross references:

  1. 2:19 : Lk 24:3
  2. 2:19 : Ac 16:1; 1Tm 1:2
  3. 2:21 : Rm 15:1; 2Tm 3:2
  4. 2:21 : 1Co 10:24; Php 1:15
  5. 2:24 : Php 1:7
  6. 2:25 : Php 4:18
  7. 2:25 : Mt 6:8
  8. 2:30 : Mk 14:6; 2Co 9:8; Gl 3:10; Jms 2:14–26
  9. 3:1 : Rm 12:12; 2Co 6:10; Php 1:18
  10. 3:2 : 2Co 13:7
  11. 3:3 : Gl 6:15
  12. 3:3 : Rm 8:4; Gl 5:25; 1Tm 3:16
  13. 3:3 : Rm 16:7; Eph 2:6; Php 1:1,15; 1Pt 5:14
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

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Psalm 73

BOOK III

(Psalms 73–89)

Psalm 73

God’s Ways Vindicated

A psalm of Asaph.(A)

1 God is indeed good to Israel,
to the pure in heart.(B)
2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;
my steps nearly went astray.(C)
3 For I envied the arrogant;
I saw the prosperity of the wicked.(D)

4 They have an easy time until they die,[a]
and their bodies are well fed.[b](E)
5 They are not in trouble like others;
they are not afflicted like most people.(F)
6 Therefore, pride is their necklace,
and violence covers them like a garment.(G)
7 Their eyes bulge out from fatness;
the imaginations of their hearts run wild.(H)
8 They mock, and they speak maliciously;
they arrogantly threaten oppression.(I)
9 They set their mouths against heaven,
and their tongues strut across the earth.(J)
10 Therefore his people turn to them[c]
and drink in their overflowing words.[d](K)
11 The wicked say, “How can God know?
Does the Most High know everything?” (L)
12 Look at them—the wicked!
They are always at ease,
and they increase their wealth.(M)

13 Did I purify my heart
and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?(N)
14 For I am afflicted all day long
and punished every morning.(O)
15 If I had decided to say these things aloud,
I would have betrayed your people.[e](P)
16 When I tried to understand all this,
it seemed hopeless[f](Q)
17 until I entered God’s sanctuary.
Then I understood their destiny.(R)
18 Indeed, you put them in slippery places;
you make them fall into ruin.(S)
19 How suddenly they become a desolation!
They come to an end, swept away by terrors.(T)
20 Like one waking from a dream,
Lord, when arising, you will despise their image.(U)

21 When I became embittered
and my innermost being[g] was wounded,(V)
22 I was stupid and didn’t understand;
I was an unthinking animal toward you.(W)
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold my right hand.(X)
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me up in glory.[h](Y)
25 Who do I have in heaven but you?
And I desire nothing on earth but you.(Z)
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength[i] of my heart,
my portion forever.(AA)
27 Those far from you will certainly perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.(AB)
28 But as for me, God’s presence is my good.
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
so I can tell about all you do.(AC)

Footnotes:

  1. 73:4 Lit For there are no pangs to their death
  2. 73:4 Lit fat
  3. 73:10 Lit turn here
  4. 73:10 Lit and waters of fullness are drained by them
  5. 73:15 Lit betrayed the generation of your sons
  6. 73:16 Lit it was trouble in my eyes
  7. 73:21 Lit my kidneys
  8. 73:24 Or will receive me with honor
  9. 73:26 Lit rock

Cross references:

  1. 73:0 : 1Ch 16:5,7
  2. 73:1 : Ps 24:4; 51:10; Mt 5:8
  3. 73:2 : Ps 17:5; 66:9; 94:18
  4. 73:3 : Ps 37:1; Pr 23:17; 24:1
  5. 73:4 : Jb 21:23–24
  6. 73:5 : Jb 21:4
  7. 73:6 : Ps 37:35; Pr 16:29; 21:24
  8. 73:7 : Jb 15:27; Jr 5:28
  9. 73:8 : Ps 17:10; 2Pt 2:18; Jd 16
  10. 73:9 : Rv 13:6
  11. 73:10 : Jb 15:16
  12. 73:11 : Jb 22:13; Ps 10:4,11; Is 29:15
  13. 73:12 : Ps 49:6; 52:7; Jr 49:31
  14. 73:13 : Ps 26:6; Mt 27:24
  15. 73:14 : Jb 33:19; Ps 38:6; 118:18
  16. 73:15 : Ps 44:17; 89:33
  17. 73:16 : Ec 8:17
  18. 73:17 : Jb 8:13; Ps 37:38
  19. 73:18 : Ps 35:6,8
  20. 73:19 : Nm 16:21; Jb 18:11; Is 47:11
  21. 73:20 : Ps 35:23; 59:5; 78:65
  22. 73:21 : Ps 109:22
  23. 73:22 : Jb 11:12; Ps 92:6
  24. 73:23 : Ps 63:8
  25. 73:24 : Ps 49:15; Is 58:11
  26. 73:25 : Ps 16:2; Php 3:8
  27. 73:26 : Ps 16:5; 38:10; 84:2
  28. 73:27 : 1Ch 5:25; Ps 37:20
  29. 73:28 : Ps 40:5; 118:17
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 24:13-14

13 Eat honey,(A) my son, for it is good,
and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate;(B)
14 realize that wisdom is the same for you.(C)
If you find it, you will have a future,
and your hope will never fade.(D)

Cross references:

  1. 24:13 : Pr 25:16
  2. 24:13 : Sg 5:1
  3. 24:14 : Ps 19:10; 119:103
  4. 24:14 : Pr 10:28; 23:18; Jr 29:11
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.

Posted on

The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Thursday September 30, 2021 (NIV)

Isaiah 60:1-62:5

The Lord’s Glory in Zion

60 Arise, shine, for your light has come,(A)
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.[a](B)
2 For look, darkness will cover the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and his glory will appear over you.
3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to your shining brightness.(C)

4 Raise your eyes and look around:
they all gather and come to you;
your sons will come from far away,
and your daughters on the hips of nursing mothers.(D)
5 Then you will see and be radiant,(E)
and your heart will tremble and rejoice,[b]
because the riches of the sea will become yours
and the wealth of the nations will come to you.(F)
6 Caravans of camels will cover your land[c]—
young camels of Midian and Ephah—
all of them will come from Sheba.(G)
They will carry gold and frankincense(H)
and proclaim the praises of the Lord.
7 All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you;
the rams of Nebaioth will serve you(I)
and go up on my altar as an acceptable sacrifice.(J)
I will glorify my beautiful house.(K)

8 Who are these who fly like a cloud,
like doves to their shelters?(L)
9 Yes, the coasts and islands will wait for me(M)
with the ships of Tarshish in the lead,(N)
to bring your children from far away,(O)
their silver and gold with them,
for the honor of the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel,(P)
who has glorified you.(Q)

10 Foreigners will rebuild your walls,(R)
and their kings will serve you.(S)
Although I struck you in my wrath,
yet I will show mercy to you with my favor.(T)
11 Your city gates will always be open;
they will never be shut day or night
so that the wealth of the nations
may be brought into you,(U)
with their kings being led in procession.
12 For the nation and the kingdom
that will not serve you will perish;
those nations will be annihilated.(V)
13 The glory of Lebanon will come to you(W)—
its pine, elm, and cypress together(X)—
to beautify the place of my sanctuary,
and I will glorify my dwelling place.[d]
14 The sons of your oppressors
will come and bow down to you;(Y)
all who reviled you
will fall facedown at your feet.(Z)
They will call you the City of the Lord,
Zion of the Holy One of Israel.(AA)
15 Instead of your being deserted and hated,
with no one passing through,(AB)
I will make you an object of eternal pride,(AC)
a joy from age to age.
16 You will nurse on the milk of nations,
and nurse at the breast of kings;(AD)
you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior(AE)
and Redeemer,(AF) the Mighty One of Jacob.(AG)
17 I will bring gold instead of bronze;
I will bring silver instead of iron,
bronze instead of wood,
and iron instead of stones.
I will appoint peace as your government
and righteousness as your overseers.
18 Violence will never again be heard of in your land;(AH)
devastation and destruction
will be gone from your borders.
You will call your walls Salvation(AI)
and your city gates Praise.
19 The sun will no longer be your light by day,
and the brightness of the moon will not shine on you.
The Lord will be your everlasting light,(AJ)
and your God will be your splendor.
20 Your sun will no longer set,
and your moon will not fade;
for the Lord will be your everlasting light,
and the days of your sorrow will be over.(AK)
21 All your people will be righteous;(AL)
they will possess the land forever;(AM)
they are the branch I planted,
the work of my[e] hands,
so that I may be glorified.(AN)
22 The least will become a thousand,
the smallest a mighty nation.
I am the Lord;
I will accomplish it quickly in its time.

Messiah’s Jubilee

61 The Spirit of the Lord God is on me,(AO)
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.(AP)
He has sent me to heal[f] the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and freedom to the prisoners;(AQ)
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,(AR)
and the day of our God’s vengeance;(AS)
to comfort(AT) all who mourn,
3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion;
to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
festive oil instead of mourning,(AU)
and splendid clothes instead of despair.[g]
And they will be called righteous trees,
planted by the Lord
to glorify him.(AV)
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins;(AW)
they will restore the former devastations;
they will renew the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations.
5 Strangers will stand and feed your flocks,
and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers.(AX)

6 But you will be called the Lord’s priests;(AY)
they will speak of you as ministers of our God;
you will eat the wealth of the nations,
and you will boast in their riches.
7 In place of your shame, you will have a double portion;(AZ)
in place of disgrace, they will rejoice over their share.
So they will possess double in their land,(BA)
and eternal joy will be theirs.

8 For I the Lord love justice;(BB)
I hate robbery and injustice;[h]
I will faithfully reward my people
and make a permanent covenant(BC) with them.
9 Their descendants will be known among the nations,
and their posterity among the peoples.
All who see them will recognize
that they are a people the Lord has blessed.

10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord,
I exult in my God;
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation
and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness,(BD)
as a groom wears a turban
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.(BE)
11 For as the earth produces its growth,
and as a garden enables what is sown to spring up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.(BF)

Zion’s Restoration

62 I will not keep silent because of Zion,
and I will not keep still because of Jerusalem,(BG)
until her righteousness shines like a bright light(BH)
and her salvation, like a flaming torch.

2 Nations will see your righteousness(BI)
and all kings, your glory.
You will be given a new name
that the Lord’s mouth will announce.(BJ)

3 You will be a glorious crown in the Lord’s hand,
and a royal diadem in the palm of your God’s hand.(BK)
4 You will no longer be called Deserted,(BL)
and your land will not be called Desolate;
instead, you will be called My Delight Is in Her,[i]
and your land Married;[j](BM)
for the Lord delights in you,
and your land will be married.
5 For as a young man marries a young woman,
so your sons will marry you;
and as a groom rejoices over his bride,
so your God will rejoice over you.(BN)

Footnotes:

  1. 60:1 = Jerusalem
  2. 60:5 Lit expand
  3. 60:6 Lit cover you
  4. 60:13 Lit glorify the place of my feet
  5. 60:21 LXX, DSS read his
  6. 61:1 Lit bind up
  7. 61:3 Lit a dim spirit
  8. 61:8 Some Hb mss, DSS, LXX, Syr, Tg, Vg; other Hb mss read robbery with a burnt offering
  9. 62:4 Or Hephzibah
  10. 62:4 Or Beulah

Cross references:

  1. 60:1 : Is 9:2; 26:19; 30:26; 51:17; 52:2; Eph 5:14
  2. 60:1 : Is 40:5; 58:8; Mal 4:2
  3. 60:3 : Is 42:6; 49:6; Rv 21:24
  4. 60:4 : Is 49:18–22
  5. 60:5 : Ps 34:5
  6. 60:5 : Is 61:6
  7. 60:6 : Gn 25:3; Ps 72:10
  8. 60:6 : Mt 2:11
  9. 60:7 : Gn 25:13
  10. 60:7 : Is 19:19; 56:7
  11. 60:7 : Is 60:13; Hg 2:7,9
  12. 60:8 : Hs 11:11
  13. 60:9 : Is 51:5
  14. 60:9 : Ps 48:7; Is 2:16
  15. 60:9 : Is 14:2; 43:6; 49:22
  16. 60:9 : Is 1:4; 60:14
  17. 60:9 : Is 55:5
  18. 60:10 : Is 14:1–2; 61:5; Zch 6:15
  19. 60:10 : Is 49:7,23; Rv 21:24
  20. 60:10 : Hab 3:2
  21. 60:11 : Rv 21:25–26
  22. 60:12 : Zch 14:17–19
  23. 60:13 : Is 35:2
  24. 60:13 : Is 41:19
  25. 60:14 : Is 14:1–2; Zch 8:23
  26. 60:14 : Is 49:23; Rv 3:9
  27. 60:14 : Is 1:26
  28. 60:15 : Is 34:10
  29. 60:15 : Is 65:18
  30. 60:16 : Is 49:23; 66:11–12
  31. 60:16 : Is 43:3; 49:26
  32. 60:16 : Is 41:14; 43:14
  33. 60:16 : Gn 49:24; Ps 132:2,5; Is 49:26
  34. 60:18 : Is 11:9
  35. 60:18 : Is 26:1
  36. 60:19 : Zch 14:6–7; Rv 21:23; 22:5
  37. 60:20 : Is 35:10; 65:19; Rv 21:4
  38. 60:21 : Is 52:1
  39. 60:21 : Ps 37:9; Ezk 37:25
  40. 60:21 : Is 61:3
  41. 61:1–2 : Is 11:2; 42:1; 48:16; Lk 4:18–19
  42. 61:1 : Lk 7:22
  43. 61:1 : Is 42:7; 49:9
  44. 61:2 : Is 49:8
  45. 61:2 : Is 2:12; 13:6; 34:2,8
  46. 61:2 : Is 40:1
  47. 61:3 : Ps 45:7; Heb 1:9
  48. 61:3 : Is 60:21; Jr 17:7–8
  49. 61:4 : Is 49:8; 58:12; Ezk 36:33; Am 9:14
  50. 61:5 : Is 14:2; 60:10
  51. 61:6 : Ex 19:6; Is 66:21; 1Pt 2:5,9
  52. 61:7 : Is 54:4
  53. 61:7 : Is 40:2; Zch 9:12
  54. 61:8 : Ps 11:7; Is 59:15
  55. 61:8 : Is 24:5; 55:3
  56. 61:10 : Is 49:18; 52:1; 59:17
  57. 61:10 : Rv 21:2
  58. 61:11 : Is 45:23–24; 60:18,21
  59. 62:1 : Ps 83:1; Is 64:12; 65:6
  60. 62:1 : Is 1:26; 58:8; 61:11
  61. 62:2 : Is 60:3
  62. 62:2 : Is 60:14; Rv 2:17; 3:12
  63. 62:3 : Is 28:5; Zch 9:16; 1Th 2:19
  64. 62:4 : Is 54:6–7; 60:15,18
  65. 62:4 : Hs 2:19–20
  66. 62:5 : Is 65:19
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.

Philippians 1:27-2:18

27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life(A) worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm(B) in one(C) spirit, in one accord,[a] contending together for the faith(D) of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents.(E) This is a sign of destruction for them,(F) but of your salvation(G)—and this is from God. 29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe(H) in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.

Christian Humility

2 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love,(I) if any fellowship with the Spirit,(J) if any affection and mercy,(K) 2 make my joy complete by thinking the same way,(L) having the same love,(M) united in spirit, intent on one(N) purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition(O) or conceit,(P) but in humility(Q) consider others as more important(R) than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look not to his own interests,(S) but rather to the interests of others.(T)

Christ’s Humility and Exaltation

5 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,

6 who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God(U)
as something to be exploited.[b]
7 Instead he emptied himself(V)
by assuming the form of a servant,(W)
taking on the likeness of humanity.(X)
And when he had come as a man,
8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.(Y)
9 For this reason God highly exalted him(Z)
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow(AA)—
in heaven(AB) and on earth
and under the earth(AC)—
11 and every tongue(AD) will confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory(AE) of God the Father.

Lights in the World

12 Therefore, my dear friends,(AF) just as you have always obeyed,(AG) so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling(AH) and arguing,(AI) 15 so that you may be blameless(AJ) and pure,(AK) children of God who are faultless(AL) in a crooked(AM) and perverted(AN) generation,(AO) among whom you shine like stars in the world, 16 by holding firm to the word(AP) of life. Then I can boast(AQ) in the day of Christ(AR) that I didn’t run or labor for nothing. 17 But even if I am poured out(AS) as a drink offering(AT) on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me.

Footnotes:

  1. 1:27 Lit soul
  2. 2:6 Or to be grasped, or to be held on to

Cross references:

  1. 1:27 : Ac 23:1
  2. 1:27 : 1Co 16:13; Gl 5:1; Eph 6:13–17; Php 4:1; 2Th 2:15
  3. 1:27 : Jn 11:52
  4. 1:27 : 1Tm 3:9; 4:1,6; 5:8; 6:10,21
  5. 1:28 : 1Co 16:9
  6. 1:28 : Mt 7:13; Rm 9:22
  7. 1:28 : Ac 4:12; 2Co 7:10; Heb 5:9
  8. 1:29 : Mk 11:24; Jn 3:16; Ac 10:43; Rm 10:9; 1Pt 1:8–10
  9. 2:1 : Rm 5:8; 15:30; 2Th 2:16; 1Jn 3:16; 4:9–10,16
  10. 2:1 : 1Co 12:13; 2Co 13:13; Eph 4:3
  11. 2:1 : Col 3:12
  12. 2:2 : Rm 12:16; 15:5; 2Co 13:11; Php 4:2
  13. 2:2 : 2Th 1:3; 1Jn 3:16
  14. 2:2 : Jn 11:52
  15. 2:3 : Rm 2:8
  16. 2:3 : Gl 5:26
  17. 2:3 : Col 3:12
  18. 2:3 : Rm 13:1; Php 3:8; 4:7; 1Pt 2:13
  19. 2:4 : Rm 15:1
  20. 2:4 : Lv 19:18; Mk 10:45; 12:31; 1Co 10:24; 13:5; Php 2:21
  21. 2:6 : Is 9:6; Jn 1:1,14; 20:28; Rm 9:5; Col 1:15–16; Ti 2:13; Heb 1:2–13; 2Pt 1:1; 1Jn 4:14–15
  22. 2:7 : Mk 9:12; 2Co 8:9; 13:4
  23. 2:7 : Is 42:1; 53:12; Mt 20:28; Mk 10:45
  24. 2:7 : Jn 1:14; Rm 8:3; Gl 4:4; 1Tm 2:5; Heb 2:17
  25. 2:8 : Lk 23:26; Php 3:10
  26. 2:9 : Is 52:13; 53:12; Dn 7:14; Ac 2:32–33; 5:30–31; Eph 1:20–21; Heb 2:9
  27. 2:10 : Is 45:23
  28. 2:10 : 2Co 5:1; Eph 1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12; Heb 3:1; 12:22
  29. 2:10 : Mt 28:18; Eph 1:10; Rv 5:13
  30. 2:11 : Is 45:23; Rm 10:9; 14:11; 1Co 12:3
  31. 2:11 : Lk 9:32; Jn 17:24; 2Co 3:18; 2Pt 3:18
  32. 2:12 : Phm 1
  33. 2:12 : Mk 1:27; Ac 16:14,32–33; Rm 6:12
  34. 2:14 : Jn 7:12; Ac 6:1; 1Pt 4:9
  35. 2:14 : 1Tm 2:8
  36. 2:15 : Lk 1:6
  37. 2:15 : Mt 10:16; Rm 16:19
  38. 2:15 : Jd 24
  39. 2:15 : Lk 3:5; Ac 2:40; 1Pt 2:18
  40. 2:15 : Mt 17:17
  41. 2:15 : Dt 32:5
  42. 2:16 : Lk 8:21; Jn 18:32; Ac 17:11; Heb 4:12
  43. 2:16 : Rm 2:17; Gl 6:4; Php 1:26
  44. 2:16 : Php 1:6,15
  45. 2:17 : Php 1:7
  46. 2:17 : Ex 25:29; Nm 28:7
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 72

Psalm 72

A Prayer for the King

Of Solomon.(A)

1 God, give your justice to the king
and your righteousness to the king’s son.(B)
2 He will judge your people with righteousness
and your afflicted ones with justice.(C)
3 May the mountains bring well-being[a] to the people
and the hills, righteousness.(D)
4 May he vindicate the afflicted among the people,
help the poor,
and crush the oppressor.(E)

5 May they fear you[b] while the sun endures
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.(F)
6 May the king be like rain that falls on the cut grass,
like spring showers that water the earth.(G)
7 May the righteous[c] flourish in his days
and well-being abound
until the moon is no more.(H)

8 May he rule from sea to sea
and from the Euphrates
to the ends of the earth.(I)
9 May desert tribes kneel before him
and his enemies lick the dust.(J)
10 May the kings of Tarshish
and the coasts and islands bring tribute,
the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.(K)
11 Let all kings bow in homage to him,
all nations serve him.(L)

12 For he will rescue the poor who cry out
and the afflicted who have no helper.(M)
13 He will have pity on the poor and helpless
and save the lives of the poor.(N)
14 He will redeem them from oppression and violence,
for their lives are[d] precious[e] in his sight.(O)

15 May he live long!
May gold from Sheba be given to him.
May prayer be offered for him continually,
and may he be blessed all day long.(P)
16 May there be plenty of grain in the land;
may it wave on the tops of the mountains.
May its crops be like Lebanon.
May people flourish in the cities
like the grass of the field.(Q)
17 May his name endure forever;
as long as the sun shines,
may his fame increase.
May all nations be blessed by him
and call him blessed.(R)

18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does wonders.(S)
19 Blessed be his glorious name forever;
the whole earth is filled with his glory.(T)
Amen and amen.
20 The prayers of David son of Jesse are concluded.(U)

Footnotes:

  1. 72:3 Or peace, also in v. 7
  2. 72:5 LXX reads May he continue
  3. 72:7 Some Hb mss, LXX, Syr, Jer read May righteousness
  4. 72:14 Lit their blood is
  5. 72:14 Or valuable

Cross references:

  1. 72:0 : Ps 127
  2. 72:1 : 1Kg 3:9; 1Ch 22:12–13; Ps 24:5
  3. 72:2 : Is 9:7; 11:2–5; 32:1
  4. 72:3 : Is 11:9; 52:7; 55:12
  5. 72:4 : Ps 109:31; Is 11:4
  6. 72:5 : Ps 89:36–37
  7. 72:6 : Dt 32:2; 2Sm 23:3–4; Hs 6:3
  8. 72:7 : Ps 37:11; Is 2:4; 60:21
  9. 72:8 : Gn 15:18; Ex 23:31; Zch 9:10
  10. 72:9 : Ps 22:29; Is 49:23; Mc 7:17
  11. 72:10 : 1Kg 10:22; 2Ch 9:21; Is 60:6
  12. 72:11 : Ps 86:9; 138:4; Is 49:23
  13. 72:12 : Jb 29:12–17
  14. 72:13 : Pr 19:17; 28:8
  15. 72:14 : Ps 69:18; 116:15
  16. 72:15 : Is 60:6
  17. 72:16 : Jb 5:25; Ps 104:16
  18. 72:17 : Gn 12:2–3; 22:18; Ps 89:36
  19. 72:18 : Jb 9:10; Ps 86:10; 136:4
  20. 72:19 : Nm 14:21; Is 6:3
  21. 72:20 : 2Sm 23:1
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 24:11-12

11 Rescue those being taken off to death,
and save those stumbling toward slaughter.(A)
12 If you say, “But we didn’t know about this,”
won’t he who weighs hearts(B) consider it?
Won’t he who protects your life(C) know?
Won’t he repay a person according to his work?(D)

Cross references:

  1. 24:11 : Ps 82:4; Is 58:6–7
  2. 24:12 : 1Sm 16:7; Ps 44:21; Pr 21:2
  3. 24:12 : Ps 121:3–8
  4. 24:12 : Jb 34:11; Ps 62:12
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.

Posted on

The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Wednesday September 29, 2021 (NIV)

Isaiah 57:15-59:21

15 For the High and Exalted One,
who lives forever, whose name is holy,(A) says this:
“I live in a high and holy place,
and with the oppressed and lowly of spirit,(B)
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and revive the heart of the oppressed.(C)
16 For I will not accuse you forever,
and I will not always be angry;(D)
for then the spirit would grow weak before me,
even the breath, which I have made.
17 Because of his sinful greed I was angry,(E)
so I struck him; I was angry and hid;
but he went on turning back to the desires of his heart.
18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him;
I will lead him and restore comfort
to him and his mourners,(F)
19 creating words of praise.”[a](G)
The Lord says,
“Peace, peace to the one who is far or near,(H)
and I will heal him.
20 But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea,(I)
for it cannot be still,
and its water churns up mire and muck.
21 There is no peace for the wicked,”
says my God.(J)

True Fasting

58 “Cry out loudly, don’t hold back!
Raise your voice like a ram’s horn.
Tell my people their transgression
and the house of Jacob their sins.
2 They seek me day after day
and delight to know my ways,
like a nation that does what is right
and does not abandon the justice of their God.
They ask me for righteous judgments;
they delight in the nearness of God.”(K)

3 “Why have we fasted, but you have not seen?(L)
We have denied ourselves, but you haven’t noticed!” [b]

“Look, you do as you please on the day of your fast,
and oppress all your workers.(M)
4 You fast with contention and strife
to strike viciously with your fist.
You cannot fast as you do today,
hoping to make your voice heard on high.
5 Will the fast I choose be like this:
A day for a person to deny himself,
to bow his head like a reed,
and to spread out sackcloth and ashes?(N)
Will you call this a fast
and a day acceptable to the Lord?
6 Isn’t this the fast I choose:
To break the chains of wickedness,(O)
to untie the ropes of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free,
and to tear off every yoke?(P)
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,(Q)
to bring the poor and homeless into your house,
to clothe the naked when you see him,(R)
and not to ignore your own flesh and blood?[c](S)
8 Then your light will appear like the dawn,
and your recovery will come quickly.(T)
Your righteousness will go before you,(U)
and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard.(V)

9 At that time, when you call, the Lord will answer;(W)
when you cry out, he will say, ‘Here I am.’
If you get rid of the yoke among you,
the finger-pointing and malicious speaking,(X)
10 and if you offer yourself[d] to the hungry,
and satisfy the afflicted one,
then your light will shine in the darkness,(Y)
and your night will be like noonday.
11 The Lord will always lead you,
satisfy you in a parched land,
and strengthen your bones.
You will be like a watered garden(Z)
and like a spring whose water never runs dry.(AA)
12 Some of you will rebuild the ancient ruins;(AB)
you will restore the foundations laid long ago;(AC)
you will be called the repairer of broken walls,
the restorer of streets where people live.
13 “If you keep from desecrating the Sabbath,(AD)
from doing whatever you want on my holy day;
if you call the Sabbath a delight,
and the holy day of the Lord honorable;
if you honor it, not going your own ways,(AE)
seeking your own pleasure, or talking business;[e][f]
14 then you will delight in the Lord,(AF)
and I will make you ride over the heights of the land,(AG)
and let you enjoy the heritage of your father Jacob.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.(AH)

Sin and Redemption

59 Indeed, the Lord’s arm is not too weak to save,(AI)
and his ear is not too deaf to hear.
2 But your iniquities(AJ) are separating you
from your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you(AK)
so that he does not listen.(AL)
3 For your hands are defiled with blood
and your fingers, with iniquity;
your lips have spoken lies,
and your tongues mutter injustice.
4 No one makes claims justly;
no one pleads honestly.
They trust in empty and worthless words;
they conceive trouble and give birth to iniquity.(AM)
5 They hatch viper’s eggs
and weave spider’s webs.
Whoever eats their eggs will die;
crack one open, and a viper is hatched.
6 Their webs cannot become clothing,
and they cannot cover themselves with their works.
Their works are sinful works,
and violent acts are in their hands.
7 Their feet run after evil,(AN)
and they rush to shed innocent blood.(AO)
Their thoughts are sinful thoughts;(AP)
ruin and wretchedness are in their paths.

8 They have not known the path of peace,(AQ)
and there is no justice in their ways.
They have made their roads crooked;
no one who walks on them will know peace.(AR)
9 Therefore justice is far from us,
and righteousness does not reach us.
We hope for light, but there is darkness;
for brightness, but we live in the night.
10 We grope along a wall like the blind;
we grope like those without eyes.(AS)
We stumble at noon as though it were twilight;
we are like the dead among those who are healthy.
11 We all growl like bears
and moan like doves.(AT)
We hope for justice, but there is none;
for salvation, but it is far from us.
12 For our transgressions have multiplied before you,(AU)
and our sins testify against us.(AV)
For our transgressions are with us,
and we know our iniquities:(AW)
13 transgression and deception against the Lord,
turning away from following our God,
speaking oppression and revolt,
conceiving and uttering lying words from the heart.
14 Justice is turned back,
and righteousness stands far off.
For truth has stumbled in the public square,
and honesty cannot enter.
15 Truth is missing,
and whoever turns from evil is plundered.
The Lord saw that there was no justice,
and he was offended.
16 He saw that there was no man—
he was amazed that there was no one interceding;(AX)
so his own arm brought salvation,
and his own righteousness supported him.

17 He put on righteousness as body armor,
and a helmet of salvation on his head;(AY)
he put on garments of vengeance for clothing,
and he wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.(AZ)
18 So he will repay according to their deeds:(BA)
fury to his enemies,
retribution to his foes,
and he will repay the coasts and islands.
19 They will fear the name of the Lord in the west
and his glory in the east;[g](BB)
for he will come like a rushing stream(BC)
driven by the wind of the Lord.
20 “The Redeemer(BD) will come to Zion,
and to those in Jacob who turn from transgression.”(BE)
This is the Lord’s declaration.

21 “As for me, this is my covenant with them,”(BF) says the Lord: “My Spirit who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth,(BG) will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of your children’s children, from now on and forever,” says the Lord.

Footnotes:

  1. 57:19 Lit creating fruit of the lips
  2. 58:3 These are Israel’s words to God.
  3. 58:7 Lit not hide yourself from your flesh
  4. 58:10 Some Hb mss, LXX, Syr read offer your bread
  5. 58:13 Or idly
  6. 58:13 Lit or speak a word
  7. 59:19 Lit sunrise

Cross references:

  1. 57:15 : Lk 1:49
  2. 57:15 : Ps 34:18; 51:17; Is 66:2
  3. 57:15 : Ps 147:3; Is 61:1–3
  4. 57:16 : Gn 6:3; Ps 103:9; Jr 3:12
  5. 57:17 : Is 2:7; 56:11; Jr 6:13
  6. 57:18 : Is 61:1–3
  7. 57:19 : Is 6:7; 51:16; 59:21; Heb 13:15
  8. 57:19 : Ac 2:39; Eph 2:17
  9. 57:20 : Ps 107:29
  10. 57:21 : Is 48:22; 59:8
  11. 58:2 : Ps 119:151; Is 29:13; 57:3; Jms 4:8
  12. 58:3 : Mal 3:14; Lk 18:12
  13. 58:3 : Is 22:12–13; Zch 7:5–6
  14. 58:5 : Est 4:3; Dn 9:3
  15. 58:6 : Jb 36:8; Ps 107:10; Ec 7:26
  16. 58:6 : Neh 5:10–12; Is 58:9; Jr 34:8
  17. 58:7 : Jb 31:19–20; Is 58:10; Ezk 18:7,16
  18. 58:7 : Mt 25:35–36; Lk 3:11
  19. 58:7 : Dt 22:1–4; Lk 10:31–32
  20. 58:8 : Is 30:26; 33:24; Jr 30:17; 33:6
  21. 58:8 : Ps 85:13; Is 62:1
  22. 58:8 : Ex 14:19; Is 52:12
  23. 58:9 : Ps 50:15; Is 55:6; 65:24
  24. 58:9 : Pr 6:13
  25. 58:10 : Jb 11:17; Ps 37:6; Is 42:16; 58:8
  26. 58:11 : Sg 4:15; Is 27:3; Jr 31:12
  27. 58:11 : Jn 4:14; 7:38
  28. 58:12 : Ezr 6:14; Neh 4:6; Is 49:8; 61:4; Ezk 36:10
  29. 58:12 : 1Kg 6:37; Ezr 3:10–12
  30. 58:13 : Ex 31:16–17; 35:2–3; Is 56:2–6; Jr 17:21–27
  31. 58:13 : Is 55:8
  32. 58:14 : Jb 22:26; Ps 37:4
  33. 58:14 : Dt 32:13; 33:29; Is 33:16; Hab 3:19
  34. 58:14 : Is 1:20; 40:5
  35. 59:1 : Nm 11:23; Is 50:2; Jr 32:17
  36. 59:2 : Is 13:11
  37. 59:2 : Dt 31:17–18; 32:20; Is 50:6; Ezk 39:29; Mc 3:4
  38. 59:2 : Dt 3:26; 23:5; Jb 35:13; Is 1:15
  39. 59:4 : Jb 15:35; Ps 7:14; Is 33:11
  40. 59:7–8 : Rm 3:15–17
  41. 59:7 : Pr 1:16; 6:17
  42. 59:7 : Mk 7:21–22
  43. 59:8 : Lk 1:79
  44. 59:8 : Is 57:20–21
  45. 59:10 : Dt 28:29; Jb 5:14
  46. 59:11 : Is 38:14; Ezk 7:16
  47. 59:12 : Ezr 9:6
  48. 59:12 : Is 3:9; Jr 14:7; Hs 5:5
  49. 59:12 : Is 13:11
  50. 59:16 : Is 41:28; 63:5; Ezk 22:30
  51. 59:17 : Eph 6:14,17; 1Th 5:8
  52. 59:17 : Is 9:7; 37:32; Zch 1:14
  53. 59:18 : Jr 25:14; Rv 22:12
  54. 59:19 : Ps 113:3
  55. 59:19 : Is 30:28; 66:12
  56. 59:20 : Is 41:14; 43:14
  57. 59:20–21 : Ezk 18:30–31; Rm 11:26–27
  58. 59:21 : Jr 31:31–34
  59. 59:21 : Is 51:16
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.

Philippians 1:1-26

Greeting

1 Paul(A) and Timothy,(B) servants of Christ Jesus:

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi,(C) including the overseers(D) and deacons.(E)

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you,[a] 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day(F) until now.(G) 6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work(H) in you[b] will carry it on to completion(I) until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 Indeed, it is right(J) for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart,[c] and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment(K) and in the defense(L) and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness,(M) how deeply I miss all of you(N) with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And I pray this: that your love(O) will keep on growing(P) in knowledge and every kind of discernment,(Q) 10 so that you may approve the things that are superior(R) and may be pure(S) and blameless(T) in the day of Christ,(U) 11 filled with the fruit(V) of righteousness(W) that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory(X) and praise of God.

Advance of the Gospel

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel,(Y) 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word[d](Z) fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry,(AA) but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love,(AB) knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition,(AC) not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives(AD) or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation[e](AE) through your prayers and help from the Spirit(AF) of Jesus Christ.(AG) 20 My eager expectation and hope(AH) is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life(AI) or by death.(AJ)

Living Is Christ

21 For me, to live is Christ(AK) and to die is gain.(AL) 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful(AM) work(AN) for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23 I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ(AO)—which is far better(AP)— 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,(AQ) 26 so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting(AR) in Christ Jesus(AS) may abound.

Footnotes:

  1. 1:3 Or for your every remembrance of me
  2. 1:6 Or work among you
  3. 1:7 Or because you have me in your heart
  4. 1:14 Other mss add of God
  5. 1:19 Or vindication

Cross references:

  1. 1:1 : Ac 13:9
  2. 1:1 : Ac 16:1; 1Tm 1:2
  3. 1:1 : Ac 16:12–40; 20:3–6; 1Th 2:2
  4. 1:1 : Ac 20:28; Ti 1:7
  5. 1:1 : 1Co 3:5
  6. 1:5 : Ac 16:12–40
  7. 1:5 : 1Co 9:15–18; 2Co 11:7–9; Php 4:10,16,18
  8. 1:6 : 2Co 9:8; Gl 3:10
  9. 1:6 : 2Co 7:1
  10. 1:7 : Rm 1:17
  11. 1:7 : Php 1:13–14,17–20,25,30; 2:17,24; 4:22
  12. 1:7 : Ac 22:1
  13. 1:8 : Rm 1:9
  14. 1:8 : 1Th 3:6
  15. 1:9 : 1Co 13:1
  16. 1:9 : 1Co 15:58
  17. 1:9 : Eph 5:17
  18. 1:9–10 : Rm 12:2
  19. 1:10 : 2Pt 3:1
  20. 1:10 : Ac 24:16; 1Co 10:32
  21. 1:10 : Php 1:6,15
  22. 1:11 : Mt 3:8; Gl 5:22
  23. 1:11 : Rm 1:17
  24. 1:11 : Lk 9:32; Jn 17:24; 2Co 3:18; 2Pt 3:18
  25. 1:12 : Mk 13:9; Ac 21–26
  26. 1:14 : Lk 8:21; Jn 18:32; Ac 17:11; Heb 4:12
  27. 1:15 : Rm 1:29; Ti 3:9
  28. 1:16 : 1Co 13:1
  29. 1:17 : Rm 2:8
  30. 1:18 : 1Th 2:5
  31. 1:19 : Jb 13:16–18
  32. 1:19 : Gl 5:25
  33. 1:19 : Ac 16:7; Rm 8:9; 1Pt 1:11
  34. 1:20 : Ac 23:6; 1Th 1:3
  35. 1:20 : 1Jn 5:12
  36. 1:20 : Jn 8:51
  37. 1:21 : Rm 14:7–9; Gl 2:19–20; Php 1:11,15; Col 2:6–3:11
  38. 1:21 : Rm 8:38–39; Php 3:7
  39. 1:22 : Mt 3:8; Rm 1:13; Gl 5:22
  40. 1:22 : Mk 14:6; Gl 3:10; Jms 2:14–26
  41. 1:23 : Rm 6:8; 2Co 4:14; 13:4–5; 1Th 4:14; 5:9–10
  42. 1:23 : Jn 12:26
  43. 1:25 : Mt 8:10; Ac 3:16; Rm 1:8; 1Co 2:5; Gl 2:16; 1Tm 1:2; Heb 4:2; Jd 3
  44. 1:26 : 1Co 15:58
  45. 1:26 : Rm 16:7; Eph 2:6; 1Pt 5:14
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 71

Psalm 71

God’s Help in Old Age

1 Lord, I seek refuge in you;
let me never be disgraced.(A)
2 In your justice, rescue and deliver me;
listen closely to me and save me.(B)
3 Be a rock of refuge for me,
where I can always go.
Give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and fortress.(C)
4 Deliver me, my God, from the power of the wicked,
from the grasp of the unjust and oppressive.(D)
5 For you are my hope, Lord God,
my confidence from my youth.(E)
6 I have leaned on you from birth;
you took me from my mother’s womb.(F)
My praise is always about you.(G)
7 I am like a miraculous sign to many,
and you are my strong refuge.(H)
8 My mouth is full of praise
and honor to you all day long.(I)

9 Don’t discard me in my old age.
As my strength fails, do not abandon me.(J)
10 For my enemies talk about me,
and those who spy on me plot together,(K)
11 saying, “God has abandoned him;
chase him and catch him,
for there is no one to rescue him.”(L)
12 God, do not be far from me;
my God, hurry to help me.(M)
13 May my adversaries be disgraced and destroyed;
may those who intend to harm me
be covered with disgrace and humiliation.(N)
14 But I will hope continually
and will praise you more and more.(O)
15 My mouth will tell about your righteousness
and your salvation all day long,
though I cannot sum them up.(P)
16 I come because of the mighty acts of the Lord God;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.(Q)

17 God, you have taught me from my youth,
and I still proclaim your wondrous works.(R)
18 Even while I am old and gray,
God, do not abandon me,(S)
while I proclaim your power
to another generation,
your strength to all who are to come.(T)
19 Your righteousness reaches the heights, God,
you who have done great things;
God, who is like you?(U)
20 You caused me to experience
many troubles and misfortunes,(V)
but you will revive me again.(W)
You will bring me up again,
even from the depths of the earth.(X)
21 You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again.(Y)
22 Therefore, I will praise you with a harp
for your faithfulness, my God;
I will sing to you with a lyre,
Holy One of Israel.(Z)
23 My lips will shout for joy
when I sing praise to you
because you have redeemed me.(AA)
24 Therefore, my tongue will proclaim
your righteousness all day long,
for those who intend to harm me
will be disgraced and confounded.(AB)

Cross references:

  1. 71:1 : Ps 25:20
  2. 71:2 : Ps 17:6
  3. 71:1–3 : Ps 31:1–3
  4. 71:4 : Ps 140:1,4
  5. 71:5 : Ps 39:7; Jr 17:13
  6. 71:6 : Ps 22:9–10
  7. 71:6 : Ps 34:1
  8. 71:7 : Ps 61:3; 62:7; 91:2,9
  9. 71:8 : Ps 35:28; 63:5
  10. 71:9 : Ps 27:9; 71:18; Is 46:3–4
  11. 71:10 : Ps 31:13; 56:6; 83:3
  12. 71:11 : Ps 3:2
  13. 71:12 : Ps 22:19; 38:21–22; 40:13
  14. 71:13 : Ps 71:24
  15. 71:14 : Ps 84:4; 130:7; 147:11
  16. 71:15 : Ps 35:28; 40:5; 96:2
  17. 71:16 : Ps 51:14; 106:2
  18. 71:17 : Dt 4:5; 6:7
  19. 71:18 : Is 46:4
  20. 71:18 : Ps 22:30–31; 78:4,6
  21. 71:19 : Ex 15:11; Dt 3:24; Ps 86:8
  22. 71:20 : Ps 60:3
  23. 71:20 : Ps 85:6
  24. 71:20 : Hs 6:1–2
  25. 71:21 : Ps 86:17; Is 12:1; 49:13
  26. 71:22 : Ps 33:2; 81:2; 92:1–3
  27. 71:23 : Ps 34:22; 55:18
  28. 71:24 : Ps 35:28; 71:13
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 24:9-10

9 A foolish scheme is sin,
and a mocker is detestable to people.

10 If you do nothing in a difficult time,
your strength is limited.

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.

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The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Tuesday September 28, 2021 (NIV)

Isaiah 54:1-57:14

Future Glory for Israel

54 “Rejoice, childless one, who did not give birth;
burst into song and shout,
you who have not been in labor!(A)
For the children of the desolate one will be more
than the children of the married woman,”(B)
says the Lord.
2 “Enlarge the site of your tent,
and let your tent curtains be stretched out;(C)
do not hold back;
lengthen your ropes,
and drive your pegs deep.
3 For you will spread out to the right and to the left,(D)
and your descendants will dispossess nations
and inhabit the desolate cities.

4 “Do not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame;(E)
don’t be humiliated, for you will not be disgraced.
For you will forget the shame of your youth,
and you will no longer remember
the disgrace of your widowhood.(F)
5 Indeed, your husband is your Maker(G)—
his name is the Lord of Armies—
and the Holy One of Israel(H) is your Redeemer;(I)
he is called the God of the whole earth.
6 For the Lord has called you,
like a wife deserted and wounded in spirit,(J)
a wife of one’s youth(K) when she is rejected,”
says your God.
7 “I deserted you for a brief moment,(L)
but I will take you back with abundant compassion.
8 In a surge of anger
I hid my face(M) from you for a moment,
but I will have compassion on you
with everlasting love,”(N)
says the Lord your Redeemer.
9 “For this is like the days[a] of Noah to me:
when I swore that the water of Noah
would never flood the earth again,(O)
so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you
or rebuke you.(P)
10 Though the mountains move
and the hills shake,
my love will not be removed from you
and my covenant of peace(Q) will not be shaken,”
says your compassionate Lord.

11 “Poor Jerusalem, storm-tossed, and not comforted,
I will set your stones in black mortar,[b]
and lay your foundations in lapis lazuli.(R)
12 I will make your fortifications[c] out of rubies,
your gates out of sparkling stones,
and all your walls out of precious stones.
13 Then all your children will be taught by the Lord,(S)
their prosperity will be great,
14 and you will be established
on a foundation of righteousness.
You will be far from oppression,
you will certainly not be afraid;
you will be far from terror,
it will certainly not come near you.
15 If anyone attacks you,
it is not from me;
whoever attacks you
will fall before you.
16 Look, I have created the craftsman
who blows on the charcoal fire
and produces a weapon suitable for its task;
and I have created the destroyer to cause havoc.
17 No weapon formed against you will succeed,
and you will refute any accusation[d]
raised against you in court.
This is the heritage of the Lord’s servants,(T)
and their vindication is from me.”(U)

This is the Lord’s declaration.

Come to the Lord

55 “Come, everyone who is thirsty,(V)
come to the water;
and you without silver,
come, buy, and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without silver and without cost!
2 Why do you spend silver on what is not food,
and your wages on what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
and you will enjoy the choicest of foods.[e]
3 Pay attention and come to me;
listen, so that you will live.
I will make a permanent covenant with you(W)
on the basis of the faithful kindnesses of David.[f](X)
4 Since I have made him a witness to the peoples,(Y)
a leader and commander for the peoples,(Z)
5 so you will summon a nation you do not know,(AA)
and nations who do not know you will run to you.(AB)
For the Lord your God,
even the Holy One of Israel,(AC)
has glorified you.”(AD)

6 Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call to him while he is near.(AE)
7 Let the wicked one abandon his way
and the sinful one his thoughts;(AF)
let him return to the Lord,
so he may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for he will freely forgive.(AG)

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
and your ways are not my ways.”
This is the Lord’s declaration.
9 “For as heaven is higher than earth,(AH)
so my ways are higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven
and do not return there
without saturating the earth
and making it germinate and sprout,
and providing seed to sow
and food to eat,(AI)
11 so my word that comes from my mouth
will not return to me empty,
but it will accomplish what I please
and will prosper in what I send it to do.”(AJ)

12 You will indeed go out with joy
and be peacefully guided;
the mountains and the hills will break into singing before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.(AK)
13 Instead of the thornbush, a cypress will come up,
and instead of the brier, a myrtle will come up;(AL)
this will stand as a monument for the Lord,(AM)
an everlasting sign that will not be destroyed.

A House of Prayer for All

56 This is what the Lord says:

Preserve justice and do what is right,(AN)
for my salvation is coming soon,
and my righteousness will be revealed.(AO)
2 Happy is the person who does this,
the son of man who holds it fast,
who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it,
and keeps his hand from doing any evil.(AP)

3 No foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord
should say,
“The Lord will exclude me from his people,”(AQ)
and the eunuch should not say,
“Look, I am a dried-up tree.”(AR)
4 For the Lord says this:
“For the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
and choose what pleases me,
and hold firmly to my covenant,
5 I will give them, in my house and within my walls,
a memorial and a name
better than sons and daughters.
I will give each of them an everlasting name
that will never be cut off.(AS)
6 As for the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord
to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord,
and to become his servants—
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold firmly to my covenant—
7 I will bring them to my holy mountain(AT)
and let them rejoice in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be acceptable on my altar,(AU)
for my house will be called a house of prayer
for all nations.”(AV)
8 This is the declaration of the Lord God,
who gathers the dispersed of Israel:
“I will gather to them still others
besides those already gathered.”(AW)

Unrighteous Leaders Condemned

9 All you animals of the field and forest,
come and eat!
10 Israel’s[g] watchmen(AX) are blind, all of them,
they know nothing;
all of them are mute dogs,
they cannot bark;
they dream, lie down,
and love to sleep.
11 These dogs have fierce appetites;
they never have enough.
And they are shepherds
who have no discernment;
all of them turn to their own way,
every last one for his own profit.(AY)
12 “Come, let me get some wine,
let’s guzzle some beer;
and tomorrow will be like today,
only far better!” (AZ)

57 The righteous person perishes,
and no one takes it to heart;
the faithful are taken away,
with no one realizing
that the righteous person is taken away
because of[h] evil.
2 He will enter into peace—
they will rest on their beds[i]—
everyone who lives uprightly.

Pagan Religion Denounced

3 But come here,
you witch’s sons,
offspring of an adulterer and a prostitute![j]
4 Who are you mocking?
Who are you opening your mouth
and sticking out your tongue at?
Isn’t it you, you rebellious children,(BA)
you offspring of liars,
5 who burn with lust among the oaks,
under every green tree,(BB)
who slaughter children in the wadis
below the clefts of the rocks?(BC)
6 Your portion is among the smooth stones of the wadi;
indeed, they are your lot.
You have even poured out a drink offering to them;
you have offered a grain offering;
should I be satisfied with these?
7 You have placed your bed
on a high and lofty mountain;(BD)
you also went up there to offer sacrifice.
8 You have set up your memorial
behind the door and doorpost.
For away from me, you stripped,
went up, and made your bed wide,(BE)
and you have made a bargain[k] for yourself with them.
You have loved their bed;
you have gazed on their genitals.[l][m]
9 You went to the king with oil
and multiplied your perfumes;
you sent your envoys far away(BF)
and sent them down even to Sheol.
10 You became weary on your many journeys,
but you did not say, “It’s hopeless!” (BG)
You found a renewal of your strength;[n]
therefore you did not grow weak.
11 Who was it you dreaded and feared,
so that you lied and didn’t remember me
or take it to heart?
I have kept silent for a long time, haven’t I?[o](BH)
So you do not fear me.
12 I will announce your righteousness,
and your works—they will not profit you.

13 When you cry out,
let your collection of idols rescue you!
The wind will carry all of them off,
a breath will take them away.
But whoever takes refuge in me
will inherit the land(BI)
and possess my holy mountain.(BJ)

Healing and Peace

14 He said,
“Build it up, build it up, prepare the way,
remove every obstacle from my people’s way.”(BK)

Footnotes:

  1. 54:9 DSS, Cairo Geniza; MT, LXX read waters
  2. 54:11 Lit in antimony
  3. 54:12 Lit suns; perhaps shields; Ps 84:11
  4. 54:17 Lit refute every tongue
  5. 55:2 Lit enjoy fatness
  6. 55:3 Or with you, the faithful acts of kindness shown to David
  7. 56:10 Or His, or Its
  8. 57:1 Or taken away from the presence of
  9. 57:2 Either their deathbeds or their graves
  10. 57:3 Lit and she acted as a prostitute
  11. 57:8 Lit you cut
  12. 57:8 Lit hand
  13. 57:8 In Hb, the word “hand” is probably a euphemism for genitals.
  14. 57:10 Lit found life of your hand
  15. 57:11 LXX reads And I, when I see you, I pass by

Cross references:

  1. 54:1 : Gl 4:27
  2. 54:1 : 1Sm 2:5; Is 62:4
  3. 54:2 : Is 49:19–20
  4. 54:3 : Gn 28:14; Is 43:5–6; 60:3
  5. 54:4 : Is 45:17
  6. 54:4 : Is 4:1; 25:8; 51:7
  7. 54:5 : Jr 3:14; Hs 2:19
  8. 54:5 : Is 1:4
  9. 54:5 : Is 41:14; 43:14
  10. 54:6 : Is 49:14–21; 50:1–2; 62:4
  11. 54:6 : Mal 2:14
  12. 54:7 : Is 26:20
  13. 54:8 : Dt 31:17–18; Is 8:17
  14. 54:8 : Ps 100:5; Jr 31:3; 33:11
  15. 54:9 : Gn 9:11
  16. 54:9 : Ezk 39:29
  17. 54:10 : Nm 25:12; Ezk 34:25; Mal 2:5
  18. 54:11 : Rv 21:19
  19. 54:13 : Jn 6:45
  20. 54:17 : Is 41:8–9; Lk 1:54
  21. 54:17 : Is 45:24; 46:13
  22. 55:1 : Ps 42:1–2; 63:1; 143:6; Is 41:17; 44:3; Jn 4:14; 7:37; Rv 21:6
  23. 55:3 : Gn 9:16; 17:7; 2Sm 23:5; Is 24:5; 59:21; 61:8
  24. 55:3 : Ac 13:34
  25. 55:4 : Ps 18:43
  26. 55:4 : Ezk 34:24; 37:24–25; Dn 9:25; Mc 5:2
  27. 55:5 : Is 45:14,22–24; 49:6
  28. 55:5 : Zch 8:22
  29. 55:5 : Is 1:4
  30. 55:5 : Is 60:9
  31. 55:6 : Ps 32:6; Am 5:4
  32. 55:7 : Ps 33:10; Is 32:7; 59:7; 65:2
  33. 55:7 : Is 1:18; 43:25; 44:22
  34. 55:9 : Ps 103:11
  35. 55:10 : 2Co 9:10
  36. 55:11 : Is 45:23; 46:10; 53:10
  37. 55:12 : Ps 98:8; Is 44:23
  38. 55:13 : Is 35:1–2; 41:19; 60:13
  39. 55:13 : Is 63:12–14; Jr 33:9
  40. 56:1 : Gn 18:19; Ps 106:3; Pr 21:3
  41. 56:1 : Ps 98:2; Is 46:13; 51:5; Rm 1:17; 3:21
  42. 56:2 : Is 58:13
  43. 56:3 : Is 14:1; 56:6
  44. 56:3 : Dt 23:1
  45. 56:5 : Is 55:13; Rv 2:17
  46. 56:7 : Is 2:2–3
  47. 56:7 : Mal 1:11
  48. 56:7 : Jr 7:11; Mt 21:13; Mk 11:17; Lk 19:46
  49. 56:8 : Is 11:12; 60:3–11; 66:18–21; Jn 10:16
  50. 56:10 : Ezk 3:17–18; 33:1–6
  51. 56:11 : Jr 10:21; 23:1; 50:6; Ezk 34:2
  52. 56:12 : Lk 12:19; 1Co 15:32
  53. 57:4 : Is 30:1,9
  54. 57:5 : 2Kg 16:4; Jr 2:20; 3:13
  55. 57:5 : 2Kg 23:10; Ps 106:37–38; Jr 7:31; Ezk 16:20–21
  56. 57:7 : Jr 3:6; Ezk 16:16
  57. 57:8 : Ezk 23:17–18
  58. 57:9 : Ezk 16:26–29
  59. 57:10 : Jr 2:25; 18:12
  60. 57:11 : Ps 50:21; Is 42:14
  61. 57:13 : Ps 37:3,9; Is 25:4
  62. 57:13 : Is 65:9
  63. 57:14 : Is 62:10; Jr 18:15
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

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Ephesians 6

Children and Parents

6 Children, obey(A) your parents in the Lord, because this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, 3 so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land.[a][b](B) 4 Fathers, don’t stir up anger(C) in your children, but bring them up in the training(D) and instruction of the Lord.

Slaves and Masters

5 Slaves, obey your human[c] masters(E) with fear and trembling,(F) in the sincerity(G) of your heart, as you would Christ. 6 Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will(H) from your heart. 7 Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people,(I) 8 knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. 9 And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening(J) them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism(K) with him.(L)

Christian Warfare

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.(M) 11 Put on(N) the full armor(O) of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh(P) and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,(Q) against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil,(R) spiritual forces in the heavens.(S) 13 For this reason take up the full armor(T) of God, so that you may be able to resist(U) in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand,(V) therefore, with truth(W) like a belt around your waist, righteousness(X) like armor on your chest,(Y) 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take up the shield(Z) of faith(AA) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.(AB) 17 Take the helmet(AC) of salvation and the sword(AD) of the Spirit(AE)—which is the word of God. 18 Pray(AF) at all times in the Spirit(AG) with every prayer and request, and stay alert(AH) with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness(AI) the mystery of the gospel. 20 For this I am an ambassador(AJ) in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

Paul’s Farewell

21 Tychicus,(AK) our dearly loved brother and faithful servant[d] in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed. 22 I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage(AL) your hearts.(AM)

23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father(AN) and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.[e][f]

Footnotes:

  1. 6:3 Or life on the earth
  2. 6:2–3 Ex 20:12
  3. 6:5 Lit according to the flesh
  4. 6:21 Or deacon
  5. 6:24 Other mss add Amen.
  6. 6:24 Lit all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruption

Cross references:

  1. 6:1 : Pr 1:8; 6:20; 23:22; Col 3:20
  2. 6:2–3 : Ex 20:12
  3. 6:4 : Rm 10:19
  4. 6:4 : Heb 12:5
  5. 6:5 : Col 3:22; 1Pt 2:18
  6. 6:5 : Php 2:12
  7. 6:5 : 2Co 9:11
  8. 6:6 : Ps 143:10; Pr 16:9; Gl 1:4; Eph 1:9
  9. 6:7 : Col 3:23
  10. 6:9 : Ac 4:29; 9:1
  11. 6:9 : Col 3:25
  12. 6:9 : Col 4:1
  13. 6:10 : Ac 4:33
  14. 6:11 : Pr 31:25
  15. 6:11 : Eph 6:11–17
  16. 6:12 : Php 3:3
  17. 6:12 : 1Pt 3:22
  18. 6:12 : Mt 6:13; Jn 17:15
  19. 6:12 : Eph 1:3,20; 2:6; 3:10; Php 2:10
  20. 6:13 : 1Th 5:8
  21. 6:13 : 2Tm 4:15; 1Pt 5:9
  22. 6:14 : Pr 24:16; Php 1:27
  23. 6:14 : Jn 14:6; 1Jn 5:20
  24. 6:14 : Mt 6:33; Rm 1:17; 2Pt 1:1
  25. 6:14 : 1Th 5:8
  26. 6:16 : Gn 15:1
  27. 6:16 : Mt 8:10; Ac 3:16; Rm 1:8; 1Co 2:5; Gl 2:16; 1Tm 1:2; Heb 4:2
  28. 6:16 : 2Th 3:3
  29. 6:17 : 1Th 5:8
  30. 6:17 : Mk 14:47
  31. 6:17 : Ps 51:11; Jn 1:33; Ac 2:4; Rm 8:9; Gl 5:25; Ti 3:5; Rv 3:22
  32. 6:18 : Mt 5:44; Ac 12:12
  33. 6:18 : Jd 20
  34. 6:18 : Pr 6:4
  35. 6:19 : 2Co 3:12
  36. 6:20 : 2Co 5:20
  37. 6:21 : Ti 3:12
  38. 6:22 : Lk 16:25
  39. 6:22 : Col 4:8
  40. 6:23 : Mt 5:16; 11:27; Lk 11:13; Jn 8:42
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

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Psalm 70

Psalm 70

A Call for Deliverance

For the choir director. Of David. To bring remembrance.(A)

1 God, hurry to rescue me.
Lord, hurry to help me!(B)

2 Let those who seek to kill me
be disgraced and confounded;
let those who wish me harm
be turned back and humiliated.
3 Let those who say, “Aha, aha!”
retreat because of their shame.(C)

4 Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
let those who love your salvation
continually say, “God is great!” (D)
5 I am oppressed and needy;
hurry to me, God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Lord, do not delay.(E)

Cross references:

  1. 70:0 : Ps 38
  2. 70:1 : Ps 38:22
  3. 70:2–3 : Ps 35:25; 40:14–15
  4. 70:4 : Ps 35:27; 77:13
  5. 70:5 : Ps 40:17; 141:1
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 24:8

8 The one who plots evil(A)
will be called a schemer.

Cross references:

  1. 24:8 : Rm 1:30
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.

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The Daily Audio Bible Reading for Monday September 27, 2021 (NIV)

Isaiah 51-53

Salvation for Zion

51 Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness,
you who seek the Lord:
Look to the rock from which you were cut,
and to the quarry from which you were dug.
2 Look to Abraham your father,
and to Sarah who gave birth to you.
When I called him, he was only one;
I blessed him and made him many.(A)
3 For the Lord will comfort Zion;(B)
he will comfort all her waste places,
and he will make her wilderness like Eden,(C)
and her desert like the garden of the Lord.(D)
Joy and gladness will be found in her,
thanksgiving and melodious song.
4 Pay attention to me, my people,
and listen to me, my nation;
for instruction will come from me,
and my justice for a light to the nations.(E)
I will bring it about quickly.
5 My righteousness is near,(F)
my salvation appears,
and my arms will bring justice to the nations.(G)
The coasts and islands will put their hope in me,
and they will look to my strength.[a]
6 Look up to the heavens,
and look at the earth beneath;
for the heavens will vanish like smoke,
the earth will wear out like a garment,
and its inhabitants will die like gnats.[b](H)
But my salvation will last forever,(I)
and my righteousness will never be shattered.
7 Listen to me, you who know righteousness,
the people in whose heart is my instruction:(J)
do not fear disgrace by men,
and do not be shattered by their taunts.
8 For moths will devour them like a garment,(K)
and worms will eat them like wool.(L)
But my righteousness will last forever,
and my salvation for all generations.
9 Wake up, wake up!
Arm of the Lord, clothe yourself with strength.
Wake up as in days past,
as in generations long ago.
Wasn’t it you who hacked Rahab to pieces,(M)
who pierced the sea monster?(N)
10 Wasn’t it you who dried up the sea,(O)
the waters of the great deep,
who made the sea-bed into a road
for the redeemed to pass over?(P)
11 And the ransomed of the Lord will return(Q)
and come to Zion with singing,
crowned with unending joy.
Joy and gladness will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee.

12 I—I am the one who comforts you.
Who are you that you should fear humans who die,(R)
or a son of man who is given up like grass?(S)
13 But you have forgotten the Lord, your Maker,
who stretched out the heavens
and laid the foundations of the earth.(T)
You are in constant dread all day long
because of the fury of the oppressor,
who has set himself to destroy.
But where is the fury of the oppressor?(U)
14 The prisoner[c] is soon to be set free;
he will not die and go to the Pit,
and his food will not be lacking.
15 For I am the Lord your God
who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar(V)—
his name is the Lord of Armies.
16 I have put my words in your mouth,(W)
and covered you in the shadow of my hand,(X)
in order to plant[d] the heavens,
to found the earth,
and to say to Zion, “You are my people.”

17 Wake yourself, wake yourself up!
Stand up, Jerusalem,
you who have drunk the cup of his fury(Y)
from the Lord’s hand;
you who have drunk the goblet to the dregs—
the cup that causes people to stagger.
18 There is no one to guide her
among all the children she has raised;
there is no one to take hold of her hand
among all the offspring she has brought up.
19 These two things have happened to you:(Z)
devastation and destruction,
famine and sword.
Who will grieve for you?
How can I[e] comfort you?
20 Your children have fainted;
they lie at the head of every street
like an antelope in a net.
They are full of the Lord’s fury,
the rebuke of your God.

21 So listen to this, suffering
and drunken one—but not with wine.(AA)
22 This is what your Lord says—
the Lord, even your God,
who defends his people(AB)—
“Look, I have removed from your hand
the cup that causes staggering;
that goblet, the cup of my fury.
You will never drink it again.
23 I will put it into the hands of your tormentors,
who said to you,(AC)
‘Lie down, so we can walk over you.’
You made your back like the ground,
and like a street for those who walk on it.

52 “Wake up, wake up;
put on your strength, Zion!
Put on your beautiful garments,(AD)
Jerusalem, the holy city!(AE)
For the uncircumcised and the unclean
will no longer enter you.(AF)
2 Stand up, shake the dust off yourself!
Take your seat, Jerusalem.
Remove the bonds[f] from your neck,
captive Daughter Zion.”
3 For this is what the Lord says:
“You were sold for nothing,
and you will be redeemed without silver.”(AG)
4 For this is what the Lord God says:
“At first my people went down to Egypt to reside there,(AH)
then Assyria oppressed them without cause.[g]
5 So now what have I here”—
this is the Lord’s declaration—
“that my people are taken away for nothing?
Its rulers wail”—
this is the Lord’s declaration—
“and my name is continually blasphemed all day long.(AI)
6 Therefore my people will know my name;(AJ)
therefore they will know on that day
that I am he who says,
‘Here I am.’”

7 How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the herald,
who proclaims peace,
who brings news of good things,(AK)
who proclaims salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (AL)
8 The voices of your watchmen(AM)—
they lift up their voices,
shouting for joy together;
for every eye will see
when the Lord returns to Zion.
9 Be joyful, rejoice together,
you ruins of Jerusalem!(AN)
For the Lord has comforted his people;(AO)
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The Lord has displayed his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations;(AP)
all the ends of the earth will see
the salvation of our God.(AQ)

11 Leave, leave, go out from there!(AR)
Do not touch anything unclean;
go out from her, purify yourselves,(AS)
you who carry the vessels of the Lord.
12 For you will not leave in a hurry,(AT)
and you will not have to take flight;
because the Lord is going before you,(AU)
and the God of Israel is your rear guard.(AV)

The Servant’s Suffering and Exaltation

13 See, my servant[h](AW) will be successful;[i]
he will be raised and lifted up and greatly exalted.(AX)
14 Just as many were appalled at you[j]—
his appearance was so disfigured
that he did not look like a man,
and his form did not resemble a human being—
15 so he will sprinkle many nations.[k](AY)
Kings will shut their mouths because of him,
for they will see what had not been told them,
and they will understand what they had not heard.(AZ)

53 Who has believed what we have heard?[l]
And to whom has the arm of the Lord(BA) been revealed?(BB)
2 He grew up before him like a young plant(BC)
and like a root out of dry ground.
He didn’t have an impressive form
or majesty that we should look at him,
no appearance that we should desire him.(BD)
3 He was despised and rejected by men,(BE)
a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.(BF)
He was like someone people turned away from;[m]
he was despised, and we didn’t value him.

4 Yet he himself bore our sicknesses,
and he carried our pains;(BG)
but we in turn regarded him stricken,
struck down by God,(BH) and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced because of our rebellion,(BI)
crushed because of our iniquities;(BJ)
punishment(BK) for our peace was on him,
and we are healed by his wounds.(BL)
6 We all went astray like sheep;(BM)
we all have turned to our own way;
and the Lord has punished him
for[n] the iniquity(BN) of us all.(BO)

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth.
Like a lamb led to the slaughter
and like a sheep silent before her shearers,
he did not open his mouth.(BP)
8 He was taken away because of oppression and judgment,
and who considered his fate?[o]
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
he was struck because of my people’s rebellion.
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
but he was with a rich man at his death,(BQ)
because he had done no violence
and had not spoken deceitfully.(BR)

10 Yet the Lord was pleased(BS) to crush him severely.[p](BT)
When[q] you make him a guilt offering,(BU)
he will see his seed, he will prolong his days,
and by his hand, the Lord’s pleasure will be accomplished.(BV)
11 After his anguish,
he will see light[r] and be satisfied.
By his knowledge,
my righteous(BW) servant(BX) will justify many,(BY)
and he will carry their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him[s] the many as a portion,
and he will receive[t] the mighty as spoil,
because he willingly submitted to death,(BZ)
and was counted among the rebels;(CA)
yet he bore the sin of many(CB)
and interceded for the rebels.(CC)

Footnotes:

  1. 51:5 Lit arm
  2. 51:6 Or die in like manner
  3. 51:14 Hb obscure
  4. 51:16 Syr reads to stretch out
  5. 51:19 DSS, LXX, Syr, Vg read you? Who can
  6. 52:2 Alt Hb tradition reads The bonds are removed
  7. 52:4 Or them at last, or them for nothing
  8. 52:13 Tg adds the Messiah
  9. 52:13 Or will act wisely
  10. 52:14 Some Hb mss, Syr, Tg read him
  11. 52:15 LXX reads so many nations will marvel at him
  12. 53:1 Or believed our report
  13. 53:3 Lit And like a hiding of faces from him
  14. 53:6 Or has placed on him; lit with
  15. 53:8 Or and as for his generation, who considered him?
  16. 53:10 Or him; he made him sick.
  17. 53:10 Or If
  18. 53:11 DSS, LXX; MT omits light
  19. 53:12 Or him with
  20. 53:12 Or receive with

Cross references:

  1. 51:2 : Gn 12:1; 15:5; Dt 1:10; Is 29:22; 41:8; 63:16; Ezk 33:24
  2. 51:3 : Is 40:1
  3. 51:3 : Gn 2:8; Jl 2:3
  4. 51:3 : Gn 13:10
  5. 51:4 : Is 42:6; 49:6
  6. 51:5 : Is 46:13; 54:17
  7. 51:5 : Is 40:10
  8. 51:6 : Ps 102:25–26; Is 34:4; Mt 24:35; Heb 1:10–12; 2Pt 3:10
  9. 51:6 : Is 45:17; 2Tm 2:10; Heb 5:9
  10. 51:7 : Ps 37:31
  11. 51:8 : Is 50:9
  12. 51:8 : Is 14:11
  13. 51:9 : Jb 26:12; Ps 89:10; Is 30:7
  14. 51:9 : Ps 74:13; Is 27:1
  15. 51:10 : Is 11:15–16; 50:2; 63:11–12
  16. 51:10 : Ex 15:13
  17. 51:11 : Is 35:10
  18. 51:12 : Ps 118:6; Is 2:22
  19. 51:12 : Is 40:6–7; Jms 1:10–11; 1Pt 1:24
  20. 51:13 : Is 44:24; 45:12; Am 9:6; Zch 12:1
  21. 51:13 : Is 49:26
  22. 51:15 : Ps 107:25; Jr 31:35
  23. 51:16 : Is 59:21
  24. 51:16 : Ex 33:22; Is 49:2
  25. 51:17 : Jb 21:20; Is 63:6; Jr 25:15; Mt 20:22; 26:39; Jn 18:1; Rv 14:10
  26. 51:19 : Is 47:9
  27. 51:21 : Is 29:9
  28. 51:22 : Is 3:12–13; 49:25; Jr 50:34
  29. 51:23 : Is 49:26; Jr 25:15–17,26,28; Zch 12:2
  30. 52:1 : Is 61:3
  31. 52:1 : Neh 11:1; Is 48:2
  32. 52:1 : Is 35:8; Rv 21:27
  33. 52:3 : Is 45:13; 1Pt 1:18
  34. 52:4 : Gn 46:6
  35. 52:5 : Ezk 36:20; Rm 2:24
  36. 52:6 : Is 49:23
  37. 52:7 : Nah 1:15; Rm 10:15
  38. 52:7 : Ps 93:1; Is 24:23
  39. 52:8 : Is 62:6
  40. 52:9 : Is 44:26; 51:3; 61:4
  41. 52:9 : Is 40:1
  42. 52:10 : Ps 98:1–3; Is 51:9; 66:18–19
  43. 52:10 : Is 40:5; Lk 3:6
  44. 52:11 : Is 48:20; Jr 50:8; Ezk 20:34,41; Zch 2:6,7; 2Co 6:17
  45. 52:11 : 2Co 6:17; 2Tm 2:19
  46. 52:12 : Ex 12:11,33; Dt 16:3
  47. 52:12 : Ex 23:23; Dt 1:30; 31:8; Is 45:2
  48. 52:12 : Jos 6:9,13; Is 58:8
  49. 52:13 : Is 42:1; 49:3–7; 50:10; 53:11; Ezk 34:23–24; Zch 3:8; Ac 3:13
  50. 52:13 : Php 2:9–11
  51. 52:15 : Nm 19:18–21; Ezk 36:25
  52. 52:15 : Rm 15:21; Eph 3:5
  53. 53:1 : Is 30:30; 40:10; 48:14; 51:9; 52:10; Lk 1:51; Ac 13:17
  54. 53:1 : Jn 12:38; Rm 10:16
  55. 53:2 : Is 11:1
  56. 53:2 : Is 52:14
  57. 53:3 : Ps 22:6; Is 49:7; Lk 18:31–33
  58. 53:3 : Mk 8:31; Jn 1:10–11; Heb 4:15
  59. 53:4 : Mt 8:17; 1Pt 2:21
  60. 53:4 : Ps 69:26
  61. 53:5 : Is 53:8; Rm 4:25; 1Co 15:3; Heb 9:28
  62. 53:5 : Is 1:4
  63. 53:5 : Jr 2:30; Zph 3:2; Heb 5:8
  64. 53:5–6 : 1Pt 2:24–25
  65. 53:6 : Mt 18:12
  66. 53:6 : Is 13:11
  67. 53:6 : 2Co 5:21; Col 2:14
  68. 53:7 : Jr 11:19; Mt 26:63; 27:12–14; Lk 23:9; Jn 19:9; Ac 8:32–33; 1Pt 2:23
  69. 53:9 : Mt 27:57–60
  70. 53:9 : Heb 4:15; 1Pt 2:22; 1Jn 3:5
  71. 53:10 : Is 44:28; 55:11
  72. 53:10 : Dt 29:22; Is 17:11
  73. 53:10 : Lv 5:1–19
  74. 53:10 : Is 46:10
  75. 53:11 : 1Jn 2:1
  76. 53:11 : Is 42:1
  77. 53:11 : Ac 13:39; Rm 5:18–19
  78. 53:12 : Mt 26:42; Jn 10:14–18; Php 2:6–8
  79. 53:12 : Lk 22:37
  80. 53:12 : Heb 9:28
  81. 53:12 : Lk 23:34; Rm 8:34; Heb 7:25
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.

Ephesians 5

5 Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, 2 and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us,(A) a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. 3 But sexual immorality(B) and any impurity(C) or greed(D) should not even be heard of[a] among you, as is proper for saints. 4 Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. 5 For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral(E) or impure(F) or greedy(G) person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom(H) of Christ and of God.

Light versus Darkness

6 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath(I) is coming on the disobedient[b] because of these things. 7 Therefore, do not become their partners. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light(J) in the Lord. Walk as children of light(K)— 9 for the fruit of the light[c] consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth(L)— 10 testing(M) what is pleasing(N) to the Lord. 11 Don’t participate in the fruitless(O) works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. 13 Everything exposed by the light is made visible,(P) 14 for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said:

Get up, sleeper,(Q) and rise up from the dead,(R)
and Christ will shine on you.(S)

Consistency in the Christian Life

15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time,[d](T) because the days are evil. 17 So don’t be foolish, but understand(U) what the Lord’s will(V) is. 18 And don’t get drunk(W) with wine,(X) which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit:(Y) 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.(Z)

Wives and Husbands

22 Wives,(AA) submit[e](AB) to your husbands(AC) as to the Lord, 23 because the husband is the head of the wife(AD) as Christ is the head(AE) of the church. He is the Savior of the body.(AF) 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives are to submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives,(AG) just as Christ loved(AH) the church and gave himself(AI) for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[f] her with the washing of water by the word. 27 He did this to present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless.(AJ) 28 In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, 30 since we are members of his body.[g] 31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,(AK) and the two will become one flesh.[h](AL) 32 This mystery(AM) is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.

Footnotes:

  1. 5:3 Or be named
  2. 5:6 Lit sons of disobedience
  3. 5:9 Other mss read fruit of the Spirit
  4. 5:16 Lit buying back the time
  5. 5:22 Other mss omit submit
  6. 5:26 Or having cleansed
  7. 5:30 Other mss add and of his flesh and of his bones
  8. 5:31 Gn 2:24

Cross references:

  1. 5:2 : 2Th 2:13; Ti 2:14
  2. 5:3 : 1Th 4:3
  3. 5:3 : 1Th 4:7
  4. 5:3 : Lk 12:15; Rm 1:29; Eph 4:19; Col 3:5; 1Th 2:5; 2Pt 2:3,14
  5. 5:5 : 1Co 5:9
  6. 5:5 : 2Co 6:17
  7. 5:5 : 1Co 5:10–11; 6:10
  8. 5:5 : Mk 1:15
  9. 5:6 : Rm 2:5; Rv 6:16
  10. 5:8 : Ps 36:9; Jn 12:46
  11. 5:8 : Is 2:5; Lk 16:8; Jn 12:35–36
  12. 5:9 : Eph 5:17
  13. 5:10 : Rm 12:2
  14. 5:10 : Lk 18:18
  15. 5:11 : Gl 5:22; Ti 3:14
  16. 5:13 : 1Jn 1:2
  17. 5:14 : Pr 6:4
  18. 5:14 : Jn 5:25
  19. 5:14 : Is 26:19; 51:17; 52:1; 60:1; Mal 4:2; Lk 1:78–79; Rm 13:11
  20. 5:16 : Col 4:5
  21. 5:17 : Jr 31:31–34; Ezk 36:26–27; Rm 12:2; Php 1:9–10; 1Th 5:21
  22. 5:17 : Ps 143:10; Pr 16:9; Gl 1:4; Eph 1:9
  23. 5:18 : Lk 12:45; Jn 2:10; 1Th 5:7; Rv 17:2
  24. 5:18 : Gn 9:21; Dt 7:13; Ps 4:7; Pr 3:10; Lk 5:37
  25. 5:18 : Lk 1:15; Ac 13:52
  26. 5:18–21 : Col 3:16–17; 1Pt 1:17
  27. 5:22 : 1Pt 3:1
  28. 5:22 : Gn 3:16; 1Co 11:3,7–9,11–12; Col 3:18; Ti 2:4–5; 1Pt 3:1–6
  29. 5:22 : 1Pt 3:1
  30. 5:23 : 1Co 11:3
  31. 5:23 : Col 2:10
  32. 5:23 : Col 3:18–4:1
  33. 5:25 : Col 3:19; 1Pt 3:7
  34. 5:25 : Jn 3:16; 1Co 13:1; 2Th 2:13
  35. 5:25 : Ti 2:14
  36. 5:27 : Jd 24
  37. 5:31 : 1Pt 3:1
  38. 5:31 : Gn 2:24
  39. 5:32 : 1Co 2:7
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 69:19-36

19 You know the insults I endure—
my shame and disgrace.
You are aware of all my adversaries.(A)
20 Insults have broken my heart,
and I am in despair.
I waited for sympathy,
but there was none;
for comforters, but found no one.(B)
21 Instead, they gave me gall for my food,
and for my thirst
they gave me vinegar to drink.(C)

22 Let their table set before them be a snare,
and let it be a trap for their allies.(D)
23 Let their eyes grow too dim to see,
and let their hips continually quake.(E)
24 Pour out your rage on them,
and let your burning anger overtake them.(F)
25 Make their fortification desolate;
may no one live in their tents.(G)
26 For they persecute the one you struck
and talk about the pain of those you wounded.(H)
27 Charge them with crime on top of crime;
do not let them share in your righteousness.(I)
28 Let them be erased from the book of life
and not be recorded with the righteous.(J)

29 But as for me—poor and in pain—
let your salvation protect me, God.(K)
30 I will praise God’s name with song
and exalt him with thanksgiving.(L)
31 That will please the Lord more than an ox,
more than a bull with horns and hooves.(M)
32 The humble will see it and rejoice.
You who seek God, take heart!(N)
33 For the Lord listens to the needy
and does not despise
his own who are prisoners.(O)

34 Let heaven and earth praise him,
the seas and everything that moves in them,(P)
35 for God will save Zion
and build up[a] the cities of Judah.
They will live there and possess it.(Q)
36 The descendants of his servants will inherit it,
and those who love his name will live in it.(R)

Footnotes:

  1. 69:35 Or and rebuild

Cross references:

  1. 69:19 : Jr 15:15
  2. 69:20 : Ps 142:4; Is 63:5
  3. 69:21 : Mt 27:34,48; Jn 19:29
  4. 69:22 : Ps 35:4–8; Rm 11:9–10; 1Th 5:3
  5. 69:23 : Is 6:10; Ezk 29:7; Dn 5:6
  6. 69:24 : Ps 79:6; Ezk 21:31; Zph 3:8
  7. 69:25 : Mt 23:38; Lk 13:35; Ac 1:20
  8. 69:26 : 2Ch 28:9; Is 53:4; Zch 1:15
  9. 69:27 : Neh 4:5; Ps 109:14
  10. 69:28 : Ex 32:32; Dn 12:1; Rv 3:5
  11. 69:29 : Ps 20:1; 70:5
  12. 69:30 : Ps 100:4; 107:22
  13. 69:31 : Ps 50:13–14; 51:16
  14. 69:32 : Ps 22:26; 34:2
  15. 69:33 : Ps 12:5; 68:6; 146:7
  16. 69:34 : Ps 96:11; Is 44:23; 49:13
  17. 69:35 : Ps 147:2; Is 44:26
  18. 69:36 : Ps 102:28; Is 65:9
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 24:7

7 Wisdom is inaccessible to[a] a fool;(A)
he does not open his mouth at the city gate.(B)

Footnotes:

  1. 24:7 Lit is too high for

Cross references:

  1. 24:7 : Pr 14:6; 17:16,24
  2. 24:7 : Jb 5:4; Ps 127:5
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.