Courage in the Bible

All Israel anoints David king at Hebron. He captures Jerusalem and makes it his capital. His mighty warriors are listed, including Jashobeam who killed 300 with his spear and the three who broke through Philistine lines for Bethlehem water.

Warriors from various tribes, including some from Saul's own tribe of Benjamin, join David during his years as a fugitive. The chapter celebrates the diverse and growing support David received, culminating in the great assembly that made him king.

David's ambassadors are humiliated by the Ammonites. The Ammonites hire Aramean mercenaries, but Joab defeats both forces. The Arameans eventually make peace with Israel, abandoning the Ammonite alliance.

Joab conquers Rabbah, the Ammonite capital, and David takes the crown of their king. Philistine giants are killed by David's warriors, including a giant with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.

David prepares abundantly for the temple he cannot build, gathering materials of gold, silver, bronze, iron, timber, and stone. He charges Solomon to build the temple and be strong and courageous, echoing God's words to Joshua.

David assembles all Israel's leaders and reveals the temple plans God gave him by the Spirit. He publicly charges Solomon to build the temple and gives him the detailed blueprints, assuring him that God will be with him until every task is finished.

Paul gives instructions for the collection for the Jerusalem saints and shares his travel plans. He urges the Corinthians to be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be courageous and strong, and do everything in love. He closes with greetings and the Aramaic prayer maranatha—come, Lord!

Elijah confronts 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel in a dramatic contest. When Baal fails to answer, Elijah prays and God sends fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, the altar, and the water. The people cry: The Lord, He is God! Elijah then prays and the drought-ending rain comes.

The Ammonite king Nahash threatens to gouge out the right eye of everyone in Jabesh-gilead. The Spirit of God comes upon Saul, and he rallies all Israel to a decisive victory, confirming his kingship.

Jonathan and his armor-bearer boldly attack a Philistine outpost, trusting that God can save by many or by few. God sends confusion among the Philistines. Saul's rash oath nearly costs Jonathan's life, but the people rescue him.

The Philistine giant Goliath challenges Israel to single combat for 40 days. Young David, trusting in God rather than armor, kills Goliath with a sling and stone. Israel routs the Philistines in the ensuing battle.

Jonathan and David form a deep friendship covenant. David's military success makes him wildly popular, provoking Saul's jealousy. Saul attempts to kill David with a spear and schemes to have him killed by the Philistines through a dangerous bride-price.

Saul openly seeks to kill David. Jonathan warns David, and Michal helps him escape through a window. David flees to Samuel at Ramah, where God's Spirit prevents Saul's men and even Saul himself from capturing David.

David rescues the city of Keilah from the Philistines but learns through the ephod that the city would betray him to Saul. He flees to the wilderness of Ziph, where Jonathan visits him one final time to strengthen his faith in God.

David again spares Saul's life, this time taking his spear and water jug while he sleeps in camp. From a hilltop, David calls out to Saul and Abner, demonstrating his innocence. Saul admits his wrong and blesses David.

The Philistines defeat Israel at Mount Gilboa. Saul's sons, including Jonathan, are killed. Wounded by archers, Saul falls on his own sword rather than be captured. The men of Jabesh-gilead bravely recover and cremate the bodies.

Paul defends his authority against opponents who judge by outward appearances. He declares that the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but divinely powerful—pulling down strongholds, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

David sends a delegation to comfort the Ammonite king, but his ambassadors are humiliated. The Ammonites hire Aramean mercenaries, but Joab and Abishai defeat both armies. The Arameans make peace with Israel.

Sheba, a Benjaminite, leads a new revolt against David. Joab pursues him, murders Amasa (David's new commander), and besieges the city of Abel. A wise woman negotiates Sheba's death, ending the rebellion.

David's last words are recorded as a prophetic oracle about righteous rule. The chapter lists David's mighty warriors and their extraordinary feats, including the three who broke through Philistine lines to get David water from Bethlehem's well.

Paul writes his final letter from prison, urging Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God. He reminds him that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. He calls Timothy to join in suffering for the gospel, not being ashamed of the testimony of the Lord.

Paul gives his final charge: preach the word in season and out of season. He knows his departure is near: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. A crown of righteousness awaits. He asks Timothy to come quickly, for only Luke is with him.

Peter and John are arrested for preaching about Jesus. Peter, filled with the Spirit, boldly declares that salvation is found in no one else—there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. The believers pray for boldness, and the church shares possessions generously.

Ananias and Sapphira lie about their offering and fall dead. The apostles perform many signs and wonders. The Sanhedrin arrests them but an angel frees them. Gamaliel counsels caution, and the apostles rejoice that they are counted worthy to suffer for Christ's name.

Stephen delivers a powerful speech recounting Israel's history from Abraham to Solomon, showing the nation's pattern of rejecting God's messengers. He accuses the council of resisting the Holy Spirit. As they stone him, Stephen sees Jesus standing at God's right hand and prays for his killers' forgiveness, becoming the first Christian martyr.

Paul and Barnabas preach in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. In Lystra, Paul heals a lame man, and the crowd tries to worship them as gods. They refuse, pointing to the living God. Paul is stoned and left for dead but rises and continues. They appoint elders in every church and return to Antioch.

Paul arrives in Corinth, meets Priscilla and Aquila, and stays eighteen months planting the church. The Lord assures him in a vision not to be afraid. Apollos, an eloquent Alexandrian, begins preaching and is further instructed by Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus.

In Ephesus, Paul encounters disciples who have not received the Holy Spirit. He teaches in the hall of Tyrannus for two years. Extraordinary miracles occur. The silversmiths riot because Paul's preaching threatens their idol-making business for Artemis, causing a city-wide uproar.

Paul travels to Jerusalem despite warnings from prophets about his arrest. He visits James and the elders, who report the growth of the Jewish church. Paul is seized in the temple by a mob who falsely accuse him of defiling it by bringing Gentiles inside.

Paul addresses the hostile Jerusalem crowd from the temple steps, sharing his testimony: his former persecution of Christians, his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road, and his commission to the Gentiles. The crowd erupts when he mentions Gentiles, and the Roman commander orders him examined.

Paul stands before the Sanhedrin and divides the Pharisees and Sadducees by invoking the resurrection. The Lord appears to Paul at night, encouraging him that he must testify in Rome. A conspiracy to kill Paul is uncovered, and he is transferred under heavy guard to Caesarea.

Paul defends himself before Governor Felix, accused of sedition and profaning the temple. He testifies about his faith in Jesus and the resurrection. Felix, frightened by Paul's teaching on righteousness and self-control, delays judgment and keeps Paul imprisoned for two years, hoping for a bribe.

Festus replaces Felix, and the Jewish leaders press charges against Paul. Paul appeals to Caesar, exercising his right as a Roman citizen. King Agrippa arrives, and Festus invites him to hear Paul's case, admitting he has no clear charge to send to the emperor.

Paul presents his most eloquent defense before King Agrippa, recounting his Pharisee background, his persecution of Christians, and the Damascus road encounter. He passionately proclaims the gospel to the king, who famously responds: Do you think in so short a time you can persuade me to become a Christian?

Paul sets sail for Rome as a prisoner. Despite his warning, the ship encounters a devastating storm. After fourteen days of peril, an angel assures Paul that all aboard will survive. The ship runs aground on Malta, and all 276 people reach shore safely, fulfilling God's promise.

Paul survives a viper bite on Malta, impressing the islanders. He arrives in Rome and, though under house arrest, freely preaches the kingdom of God and teaches about Jesus for two whole years. Acts ends with the gospel advancing unhindered in the heart of the empire.

Nebuchadnezzar builds a golden statue and demands everyone bow. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse, declaring God CAN save them from the furnace, but even if He doesn't, they will not bow. Thrown into a fire heated seven times hotter, they walk unharmed with a fourth figure — like a son of the gods.

Laws of warfare are given. Before battle, priests encourage the army not to fear. Exemptions are granted for those who built new houses, planted vineyards, became engaged, or are afraid. When besieging distant cities, peace terms must first be offered. Fruit trees must not be cut down during siege.

Moses, now 120 years old, tells Israel he can no longer lead them and formally commissions Joshua as his successor. He writes down the law and entrusts it to the Levites to be read publicly every seven years. God warns Moses that Israel will eventually turn away, and commands him to write a song as a witness against them.

Haman, promoted to highest official, is enraged when Mordecai refuses to bow to him. He plots to destroy not just Mordecai but all Jews throughout the Persian Empire. He casts lots (purim) to choose the date and obtains the king's decree for genocide.

Mordecai mourns in sackcloth and urges Esther to intercede with the king. Esther fears approaching the king uninvited (punishable by death) but Mordecai delivers the famous challenge: Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther calls for a three-day fast.

Esther bravely approaches the king and is received with favor. Rather than revealing her request immediately, she invites the king and Haman to two banquets. Haman is elated but furious when Mordecai still won't bow. His wife suggests building a gallows for Mordecai.

At the second banquet, Esther reveals that she is Jewish and that Haman has plotted to destroy her people. The king is furious. When Haman falls on Esther's couch begging for mercy, the king interprets it as assault. Haman is hanged on the very gallows he built for Mordecai.

The Israelites multiply greatly in Egypt and a new Pharaoh, who does not know Joseph, enslaves them with harsh labour. Pharaoh orders the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn boys, but they fear God and defy the order. Pharaoh then commands that every Hebrew baby boy be thrown into the Nile.

God commissions Ezekiel to speak to rebellious Israel, warning that they are stubborn and hard-hearted. God gives him a scroll written on both sides with words of lament, mourning, and woe — and tells him to eat it.

Four kings wage war against five kings near Sodom, and Lot is captured. Abram leads 318 trained men to rescue Lot and defeats the kings. On his return, Melchizedek king of Salem blesses Abram and Abram gives him a tenth of the spoils.

God encourages the discouraged builders: the glory of this latter house will be greater than the former. God will shake the heavens, earth, sea, and nations, and the desired of all nations will come. He declares Zerubbabel His chosen signet ring — a messianic symbol reversing Jehoiachin's curse.

The third Servant Song: the Servant's obedience despite suffering. He offers his back to those who strike him and his cheeks to those who pull out his beard. He sets his face like flint, trusting God to vindicate him — a clear foreshadowing of Jesus's passion.

Deborah the prophetess judges Israel and commissions Barak to fight Sisera's army. Barak insists Deborah accompany him. After Israel's victory, Jael kills Sisera by driving a tent peg through his temple.

Deborah and Barak sing a victory song celebrating God's deliverance. The song recounts the battle, praises the faithful tribes, rebukes those who stayed behind, and celebrates Jael's bravery.

Israel is oppressed by Midian for seven years. The angel of the Lord appears to Gideon, calling him a mighty warrior while he threshes wheat in hiding. Gideon tears down his father's Baal altar and asks God for signs with a fleece.

Jephthah, a rejected outcast, is called to lead Gilead against the Ammonites. He attempts diplomacy first, then defeats Ammon. Tragically, he makes a rash vow that costs him his only daughter.

God calls Jeremiah as a prophet before he was born, overcoming his objection of being too young. God touches his mouth and commissions him to uproot and plant among the nations. Two visions — an almond branch and a boiling pot — confirm his calling.

During a brief respite in the siege, Jeremiah tries to leave Jerusalem and is arrested as a traitor. Imprisoned in a dungeon, Zedekiah secretly consults him. Jeremiah repeats his message: Babylon will conquer. The king gives him better quarters but won't heed the message.

Officials throw Jeremiah into a muddy cistern to die. Ebed-Melech, an Ethiopian eunuch, courageously rescues him with old rags as padding under the ropes. Zedekiah again consults Jeremiah secretly but lacks courage to follow God's counsel to surrender.

Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, promising the Holy Spirit will guide them into all truth, convict the world of sin, and glorify Christ. He assures them that their grief will turn to joy, like a woman in labor. He declares: In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.

Job declares he will argue his case directly before God, willing to risk his life for vindication. He tells his friends to be silent and warns that their false defence of God is itself sinful.

Job maintains his innocence with an oath, declaring he will never admit his friends are right. He then describes the ultimate fate of the wicked, showing he agrees with the principle but not its application to himself.

God commissions Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land after Moses' death. He commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, promising His presence. Joshua orders the people to prepare to cross the Jordan.

Joshua sends two spies to Jericho who are hidden by Rahab the prostitute. She confesses faith in Israel's God and secures a promise of safety for her family. The spies return with an encouraging report.

The walls of Jericho fall after the Israelites march around the city for seven days following God's instructions. Rahab and her family are spared. The city is devoted to destruction as God commanded.

Israel conquers Ai using an ambush strategy after dealing with Achan's sin. Joshua builds an altar on Mount Ebal and reads the entire Law to the people as Moses had commanded.

God fights for Israel with hailstones and makes the sun stand still during battle against a coalition of five Amorite kings. Joshua conquers the southern cities of Canaan in a sweeping campaign.

Joshua defeats a massive northern coalition led by Jabin king of Hazor. After years of warfare, he conquers the entire land as God commanded, though some areas remain unconquered.

Caleb, at 85 years old, asks Joshua for the hill country of Hebron that God promised him 45 years earlier. His faith and vigor remain strong, and Joshua grants his request.

The territory allotted to the tribe of Judah is described in detail, including its borders and cities. Caleb conquers Hebron and Debir. Judah cannot drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem.

The territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan is described. The descendants of Joseph complain about receiving too little land, and Joshua challenges them to clear the forested hill country.

Jesus commissions the twelve apostles, giving them authority over unclean spirits and diseases. He sends them out with mission instructions, warning of persecution but encouraging them not to fear. He teaches that whoever loses their life for His sake will find it.

Nehemiah boldly asks King Artaxerxes for permission to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, and the king grants his request with letters and timber. Nehemiah secretly inspects the walls by night, then rallies the people: Let us rebuild! Opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah begins immediately.

Sanballat and Tobiah mock and threaten the builders. Nehemiah organizes armed guards and workers who build with one hand while holding a weapon in the other. He encourages the people: Don't be afraid. Remember the Lord who is great and awesome.

Sanballat and Tobiah try to lure Nehemiah into a trap, hire false prophets to frighten him, and spread lies. Nehemiah sees through every scheme: Should a man like me run away? The wall is completed in just 52 days, and the enemies are demoralized.

Moses sends twelve spies into Canaan for forty days. They return with enormous grapes confirming the land flows with milk and honey, but ten spies spread a terrifying report about giants and fortified cities. Only Caleb and Joshua urge the people to trust God and take the land.

The daughters of Zelophehad boldly request their father's inheritance since he died without sons, and God rules in their favour, establishing the right of daughters to inherit. God tells Moses to view the Promised Land from Mount Abarim before he dies. Joshua is commissioned as Moses's successor through the laying on of hands.

A psalm of supreme confidence. David declares the Lord is his light and salvation—whom shall he fear? He desires one thing: to dwell in God's house forever. He encourages himself to wait for the Lord and be strong.

David entrusts his spirit to God—the words Jesus spoke on the cross. He describes being surrounded by enemies but trusts in God's unfailing love. He encourages all who hope in the Lord to be strong and courageous.