Justice in the Bible

Saul and his sons die in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. The Chronicler explains that Saul died because of his unfaithfulness to God, including consulting a medium, so God turned the kingdom over to David.

David defeats the Philistines, Moabites, Arameans, and Edomites, expanding his kingdom. He dedicates the captured treasures to God. David reigns with justice and righteousness over all Israel.

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.

David sinfully orders a census of Israel. God offers three punishments; David chooses plague, and 70,000 die. David sees the destroying angel at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, buys it, and builds an altar where God stops the plague — the future temple site.

Paul confronts a case of sexual immorality in the church that even pagans would not tolerate. He instructs the church to remove the unrepentant person for the sake of the community's purity. A little leaven leavens the whole lump—Christ is our Passover lamb.

Paul rebukes believers for suing each other in secular courts. He warns against sexual immorality, teaching that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. You were bought at a price—therefore honor God with your bodies. He lists sins that will not inherit the kingdom but celebrates that believers are washed and sanctified.

David gives Solomon final instructions and dies after 40 years as king. Solomon consolidates power by dealing with Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, establishing his kingdom firmly in accordance with David's counsel.

God appears to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon and offers him anything. Solomon asks for wisdom to govern well. God is pleased and grants him unmatched wisdom plus riches and honor. Solomon's wisdom is demonstrated when he resolves a dispute between two mothers claiming the same baby.

Jeroboam's son falls ill, and the prophet Ahijah foretells the destruction of Jeroboam's entire dynasty. In Judah, Rehoboam's reign brings spiritual decline and Shishak of Egypt plunders Jerusalem.

Abijam and Asa reign in Judah. Asa does what is right, removing idols and deposing his grandmother for her idol. In Israel, Nadab and Baasha reign, with Baasha destroying Jeroboam's entire family as prophesied.

Rapid succession of wicked kings in Israel: Baasha's dynasty is destroyed by Zimri, who reigns only seven days before Omri takes power. Omri's son Ahab becomes king and marries Jezebel, introducing Baal worship on a massive scale.

Ahab covets Naboth's vineyard. When Naboth refuses to sell his ancestral land, Jezebel orchestrates false charges and has Naboth stoned to death. Elijah confronts Ahab with God's judgment: dogs will lick his blood and devour Jezebel.

Ahab and Jehoshaphat plan to attack Ramoth-gilead. The prophet Micaiah warns of defeat, but Ahab goes anyway. Ahab disguises himself in battle but is struck by a random arrow and bleeds to death in his chariot. Dogs lick his blood, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy.

Peter calls believers to arm themselves with Christ's mindset of suffering. He urges them to live for God's will, not human desires, and to use their gifts to serve others. Do not be surprised by fiery trials—rejoice that you share in Christ's sufferings. Judgment begins with God's household.

Hannah offers a prophetic song of praise after dedicating Samuel to the Lord. Meanwhile, Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas are corrupt priests who abuse their position. A prophet warns Eli that judgment is coming on his household.

God calls young Samuel in the night at Shiloh. After Eli helps him recognize God's voice, Samuel receives a sobering message of judgment against Eli's family. Samuel is established as a prophet throughout Israel.

Israel is defeated by the Philistines and foolishly brings the Ark of the Covenant into battle as a talisman. The Ark is captured, Hophni and Phinehas are killed, and Eli dies upon hearing the news. Phinehas's wife names her son Ichabod — the glory has departed.

The Philistines place the Ark in Dagon's temple, but Dagon's statue falls prostrate before it and breaks apart. God afflicts the Philistines with tumors and panic in every city where the Ark is taken.

The Philistines return the Ark to Israel on a new cart pulled by cows, along with guilt offerings of gold tumors and rats. The Ark arrives at Beth-shemesh, where God strikes men who look inside it.

Israel demands a king to be like other nations, rejecting God as their ruler. Samuel warns them about the ways of a king — taxation, conscription, and servitude — but the people insist, and God tells Samuel to grant their request.

Saul massacres 85 priests at Nob for helping David, fulfilling the prophecy against Eli's house. Only Abiathar escapes and joins David. David gathers a band of 400 outcasts at the cave of Adullam.

David finds Saul vulnerable in a cave at En Gedi but refuses to kill the Lord's anointed, cutting only a corner of his robe. David confronts Saul from a distance, and Saul weeps, acknowledging David's righteousness.

David asks the wealthy Nabal for provisions, but Nabal insults him. David sets out to destroy Nabal's household, but Nabal's wise wife Abigail intercepts with gifts and a persuasive appeal. God strikes Nabal dead, and David marries Abigail.

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.

Jehoshaphat unwisely allies with wicked King Ahab to attack Ramoth-gilead. The prophet Micaiah warns of defeat, but Ahab goes anyway. Ahab is killed by a random arrow in battle, fulfilling Micaiah's prophecy.

Jehoshaphat is rebuked by the seer Jehu for his alliance with Ahab but commended for seeking God. He appoints judges throughout the land, charging them to judge fairly because they judge for the Lord, not for man.

Jehoram kills his brothers and follows the wicked ways of Ahab's family through his wife Athaliah. Elijah sends a letter predicting judgment. Edom and Libnah revolt. Jehoram is struck with an incurable disease and dies unmourned.

Ahaziah reigns briefly as a wicked king under his mother Athaliah's influence. He is killed alongside Ahab's family by Jehu. Athaliah then seizes the throne and massacres the royal family, but baby Joash is hidden by the priest's wife.

After six years, the priest Jehoiada organizes a coup against Athaliah. He crowns the boy Joash king, and Athaliah is executed when she cries treason. Jehoiada establishes a covenant between God, the king, and the people. The temple of Baal is destroyed.

Joash faithfully repairs the temple under Jehoiada's guidance using a collection chest at the gate. After Jehoiada dies at 130 years old, Joash turns to idolatry. Zechariah the priest rebukes him and is stoned to death in the temple courtyard. Joash is assassinated by his own officials.

Amaziah begins well, obeying God and dismissing hired Israelite troops before defeating Edom. But he brings back Edomite gods and worships them. He foolishly challenges Israel to battle and is humiliated. He is eventually assassinated.

Uzziah reigns 52 years and is hugely successful — in war, agriculture, and building. God makes him prosper as long as he seeks Him. But when Uzziah becomes proud and tries to burn incense in the temple (a priestly duty), God strikes him with leprosy for the rest of his life.

Ahaz is one of Judah's worst kings, practicing child sacrifice and worshiping at every high place. God allows defeats by Aram, Israel, Edom, and Philistia. Ahaz appeals to Assyria instead of God and even closes the temple doors.

Judah's final four kings are quickly summarized — all do evil. Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the temple, deporting the people to Babylon. The land lies desolate for 70 years until Cyrus of Persia decrees the return, ending the book with hope.

King Ahaziah of Israel falls through a lattice and sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub. Elijah intercepts them and pronounces death for seeking a foreign god. Two companies of fifty soldiers are consumed by fire from heaven before a third captain humbly asks for mercy.

Elisha sends a prophet to anoint Jehu as king of Israel with a mandate to destroy Ahab's house. Jehu drives furiously to Jezreel, kills King Joram with an arrow, and has Jezebel thrown from a window. Dogs eat her body, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy.

Jehu systematically destroys all of Ahab's descendants, seventy sons in all. He lures all Baal worshipers into a temple and massacres them, eradicating Baal worship from Israel. However, Jehu does not turn from Jeroboam's golden calves.

Athaliah, Ahab's daughter, seizes Judah's throne and massacres the royal family. But baby Joash is hidden in the temple for six years. The priest Jehoiada organizes a coup, crowns Joash king, and Athaliah is executed. The people destroy the temple of Baal.

Amaziah of Judah defeats Edom but foolishly challenges Israel and is humiliated. Jeroboam II of Israel restores Israel's borders during a long, prosperous but spiritually hollow reign. Both kings face the consequences of pride.

A rapid succession of kings rules Israel in its final decades, with assassinations and coups. Uzziah (Azariah) of Judah reigns prosperously but is struck with leprosy for pride. The Assyrian threat grows under Tiglath-pileser III.

The northern kingdom of Israel falls to Assyria in 722 BC. The people are deported and foreigners are settled in their place. The narrator explains this happened because Israel abandoned God's covenant, worshiped idols, and ignored the prophets' warnings.

Manasseh becomes Judah's most wicked king, rebuilding high places, practicing sorcery, and setting up idols in the temple. God declares that because of Manasseh's sins, Jerusalem will be destroyed. His son Amon reigns briefly before being assassinated.

Young King Josiah orders temple repairs, and the Book of the Law is discovered. When it is read to Josiah, he tears his robes in anguish, realizing how far Judah has strayed. The prophetess Huldah confirms that judgment is coming but will be delayed because of Josiah's repentance.

After Josiah, Judah rapidly declines under Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, and Jehoiachin. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieges Jerusalem, takes the first wave of captives (including Jehoiachin and Daniel), and plunders the temple. Zedekiah is installed as puppet king.

Zedekiah rebels against Babylon, and Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC. The people are deported to Babylon, ending the kingdom of Judah. The book ends with a glimmer of hope: Jehoiachin is released from prison in Babylon and given a place at the king's table.

Peter warns fiercely against false teachers who will exploit believers with fabricated stories. He draws parallels with fallen angels, Noah's flood, and Sodom and Gomorrah to show that God knows how to rescue the godly and punish the unrighteous. False teachers promise freedom but are themselves slaves to corruption.

David learns of Saul and Jonathan's deaths. Rather than celebrating, he mourns deeply and composes a lament — the Song of the Bow — honoring both Saul and his beloved friend Jonathan.

Abner defects to David after a quarrel with Ish-bosheth. Joab, angry over his brother Asahel's death, murders Abner in cold blood. David publicly mourns Abner, distancing himself from the killing.

Two of Ish-bosheth's captains murder him in his bed and bring his head to David, expecting reward. David condemns them for killing an innocent man and has them executed, demonstrating his commitment to justice.

David expands his kingdom by defeating the Philistines, Moabites, Arameans, and Edomites. He establishes a powerful empire and administers justice throughout the land. Key officials in his government are listed.

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.

David commits adultery with Bathsheba while her husband Uriah is at war. When Bathsheba becomes pregnant, David unsuccessfully tries to cover it up, then arranges for Uriah to be killed in battle. David marries Bathsheba. God is displeased.

The prophet Nathan confronts David with a parable about a rich man stealing a poor man's lamb. David condemns himself, and Nathan declares you are the man. David repents, but the child born to Bathsheba dies. Solomon is later born to them.

David's son Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar, then despises her. David is furious but does nothing. After two years, Tamar's brother Absalom takes revenge by having Amnon murdered at a feast, then flees to Geshur.

Joab devises a scheme using a wise woman of Tekoa to persuade David to bring Absalom back from exile. David allows Absalom to return to Jerusalem but refuses to see him for two more years until Absalom forces a meeting.

David is cursed by Shimei of Saul's family as he flees. Ziba falsely claims Mephibosheth has turned traitor. In Jerusalem, Absalom follows Ahithophel's counsel to publicly claim David's concubines, signaling a permanent break.

David's forces defeat Absalom's army in the forest of Ephraim. Absalom's hair gets caught in a tree, and Joab kills him despite David's explicit orders to deal gently with his son. David is devastated, crying: O my son Absalom!

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.

A three-year famine is traced to Saul's violation of the Gibeonite treaty. David makes restitution, and Rizpah's devotion to her dead sons moves David to properly bury Saul and Jonathan. Various battles with Philistine giants are recorded.

David sinfully orders a census of Israel. God gives him a choice of three punishments; David chooses plague, and 70,000 die. When the angel reaches Jerusalem, God relents. David buys Araunah's threshing floor and builds an altar — the future site of Solomon's temple.

Paul commends the Thessalonians for their growing faith and love amidst persecution. He assures them that God's righteous judgment will bring relief to the afflicted and retribution to those who trouble them when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire.

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.

Herod arrests and executes James, then imprisons Peter. The church prays earnestly, and an angel miraculously frees Peter from prison in the night. Peter goes to Mary's house where believers are praying. Herod is struck down by an angel for accepting divine praise.

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.

Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa, delivers God's roaring judgment from Zion. In a devastating pattern — for three sins and for four — he pronounces judgment on Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, and Edom for their war crimes and cruelty.

The judgment pattern continues to Moab, then shockingly turns on Judah and Israel. Israel is condemned for selling the righteous for silver, trampling the poor, and profaning God's name. They have perverted every institution God gave them.

Can two walk together unless they agree? God does nothing without revealing His plan to the prophets. Israel was chosen above all families — but with privilege comes greater accountability. Destruction is coming to the altars of Bethel and the mansions of the wealthy.

Amos calls the wealthy women of Samaria cows of Bashan who oppress the poor. God sent famine, drought, plague, and destruction — yet you did not return to me, repeats five times. If repeated discipline doesn't work, prepare to meet your God.

A funeral dirge for living Israel: she has fallen, never to rise again. Seek me and live — not Bethel, Gilgal, or Beersheba. Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. God hates their religious festivals because they are divorced from justice.

Woe to those at ease in Zion — lounging on ivory beds, feasting on lamb, singing idle songs, drinking wine by the bowlful, but not grieving over Israel's ruin. Their complacency in the face of injustice brings them first into exile.

Three visions of judgment — locusts, fire, and a plumb line. God relents from the first two but not the third: Israel is crooked by the plumb line of justice. The priest Amaziah expels Amos, who responds: I was no prophet — just a shepherd and fig farmer. But God called me.

A basket of ripe fruit — the end is ripe for Israel. The merchants can't wait for the sabbath to end so they can cheat the poor with dishonest scales. The sun will go down at noon, and God will send a famine — not of bread or water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.

Final judgment: no one can escape God — not in Sheol, the sea floor, or Carmel's peak. Yet the book ends with stunning hope: God will raise up David's fallen booth, restore Israel, and they will plant vineyards and gardens, never again to be uprooted. Grace has the last word.

Belshazzar's feast: the king drinks from the temple vessels and a disembodied hand writes on the wall — MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN. Daniel interprets: you have been weighed and found wanting. That very night, Babylon falls to the Medes and Persians and Belshazzar is killed.

Daniel's vision of four great beasts from the sea representing four kingdoms. The terrifying fourth beast has iron teeth and ten horns. The Ancient of Days takes His throne and gives everlasting dominion to one like a Son of Man coming on clouds — Jesus's favorite self-title.

A vision of a ram (Medo-Persia) and a goat (Greece) with a prominent horn (Alexander the Great) that breaks into four (successor kingdoms). A little horn arises who desecrates the sanctuary — fulfilled by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, prefiguring the Antichrist.

God gives Moses new stone tablets to replace the broken ones and the ark is made to hold them. Moses recounts the death of Aaron and the setting apart of the Levites. He calls Israel to fear the Lord, walk in His ways, love and serve Him with all their heart. God defends the fatherless and widows and loves the foreigner.

Moses warns against three sources of temptation to idolatry: false prophets who perform signs, close family members, and entire cities that turn away. Even if a prophet's sign comes true, if he leads people to other gods, he must be rejected. An idolatrous city must be completely destroyed as a devoted thing to the Lord.

Every seventh year, debts among Israelites must be cancelled. Moses warns against being tightfisted toward the poor and commands generosity, promising that God will bless those who give freely. Hebrew servants must be released in the seventh year with generous provisions. The firstborn of flocks and herds are consecrated to God.

Moses restates the three annual pilgrimage festivals — Passover and Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks, and Feast of Tabernacles — when all males must appear before God at His chosen place. No one is to appear empty-handed, but each gives as he is able. Judges must be appointed in every city to administer impartial justice.

Laws address blemished sacrifices (forbidden), idolaters (to be investigated and stoned on multiple witnesses), and difficult legal cases (to be referred to the central court). Moses prophetically sets rules for future kings — the king must write his own copy of God's law and read it daily, not accumulate horses, wives, or wealth.

Moses establishes three cities of refuge in the Promised Land for those who accidentally kill someone. Boundaries must not be moved. Two or three witnesses are required for any criminal charge, and false witnesses receive the punishment they intended for the accused — purging evil from Israel.

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.

Various laws address unsolved murders (a heifer ritual), rights of firstborn sons in polygamous households, rebellious sons (brought before elders), and the treatment of executed criminals whose bodies must not remain on a tree overnight. The ceremonial unsolved murder ritual demonstrates the seriousness of bloodguilt.

A collection of laws covers returning lost property, cross-dressing prohibition, protecting mother birds, building parapets on rooftops, and not mixing seeds, animals, or fabrics. Marriage laws address the case of a slandered bride, adultery, and sexual assault, with penalties distinguishing between consensual sin and victimhood.

Laws define who may enter the assembly of the Lord and exclude certain groups temporarily or permanently. Camp hygiene laws maintain purity in military camps where God walks. Escaped slaves must not be returned to their masters. Interest may not be charged to fellow Israelites, and vows must be fulfilled.

Laws address divorce (a certificate is required and remarriage after a second marriage is prohibited), pledges (a millstone cannot be taken), kidnapping (punishable by death), and fair treatment of hired workers (pay them promptly). Gleaning laws ensure food for foreigners, orphans, and widows.

Laws limit flogging to forty stripes, protect working oxen from being muzzled, and establish levirate marriage — a brother's duty to marry his deceased brother's widow to continue his name. Honest weights and measures are required. The chapter concludes with a command to remember and eventually destroy Amalek.

Moses commands Israel to set up large plastered stones inscribed with God's law upon entering the Promised Land. An altar of uncut stones is to be built on Mount Ebal. Six tribes will pronounce blessings from Mount Gerizim and six will pronounce curses from Mount Ebal. Twelve specific curses are declared for secret sins.

Moses recites the Song of Moses, a powerful poem recounting God's faithfulness and Israel's future unfaithfulness. It portrays God as the Rock, a faithful creator and father, while Israel is a perverse and crooked generation that will provoke God to jealousy with foreign gods. The song ends with God's ultimate vindication and mercy. God tells Moses to ascend Mount Nebo to view the land before he dies.

The Teacher observes oppression, envy, and loneliness under the sun. Two are better than one because they can help each other. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king.

The Teacher observes that wickedness sometimes goes unpunished while the righteous suffer. Yet he affirms that it will be better for those who fear God. No one has power over the day of death. He commends the enjoyment of life as God's gift amid uncertainty.

The Teacher encourages bold, generous living. Cast your bread upon the waters and it will return. Sow seed in the morning and evening since you don't know which will prosper. Rejoice in your youth but know that God will judge.

The Teacher's conclusion. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth before the difficult days come. A beautiful, melancholy poem describes aging and death. The final verdict: fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. God will bring every deed into judgment.

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.

That night the king cannot sleep and has the royal chronicles read to him, discovering Mordecai's unrewarded loyalty in saving his life. Haman arrives to request Mordecai's execution but is instead forced to honor Mordecai publicly — leading him through the streets on the king's horse.

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.

Since Persian law cannot revoke the king's decree, a new decree is issued allowing the Jews to defend themselves. Mordecai is given Haman's position and signet ring. Joy and celebration spread throughout the empire, and many people convert to Judaism out of fear.

On the appointed day, the Jews successfully defend themselves against their enemies throughout the empire, killing over 75,000 attackers but taking no plunder. The feast of Purim is established to commemorate this deliverance for all future generations.

God tells Moses that He will harden Pharaoh's heart and multiply His signs in Egypt. Aaron's staff becomes a serpent before Pharaoh, swallowing the staffs of the Egyptian magicians. The first plague strikes as the Nile turns to blood, killing the fish and making the water undrinkable.

God sends three more plagues upon Egypt: frogs cover the land, gnats infest all people and animals, and swarms of flies fill the country. Pharaoh repeatedly promises to let Israel go but hardens his heart each time the plague is removed. God begins to distinguish between Egypt and Goshen where Israel lives.

Three more devastating plagues strike Egypt: a disease kills all Egyptian livestock, painful boils afflict people and animals, and a severe hailstorm destroys crops and kills those caught in the open. God continues to distinguish between Egypt and Goshen. Pharaoh admits he has sinned but again hardens his heart.

God sends locusts that devour every remaining plant in Egypt, followed by three days of total darkness that paralyses the nation. Pharaoh offers partial compromises — letting the men go, or going without livestock — but Moses insists on complete release. Pharaoh threatens to kill Moses if he sees his face again.

God announces the final plague: the death of every firstborn in Egypt, from Pharaoh's son to the servant's son. Moses warns Pharaoh, but his heart remains hardened. God tells Israel to ask the Egyptians for silver and gold, and the Egyptians give generously because God has given the people favour.

Moses's father-in-law Jethro visits the camp, bringing Zipporah and Moses's sons. He observes Moses judging the people from morning to night and advises him to delegate by appointing capable leaders over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Moses follows Jethro's wise counsel.

God gives Moses detailed laws governing the treatment of servants, including conditions for their release. Laws address personal injury cases including murder, assault, and the principle of proportional justice — an eye for an eye. These civil laws establish justice and protect the vulnerable in Israelite society.

God continues the civil laws covering theft, property damage, and restitution. Laws protect the vulnerable — widows, orphans, and foreigners. God warns that He will personally hear the cry of the oppressed. Economic laws govern lending, pledges, and firstfruits offerings.

God gives laws about justice in court, sabbath rest for the land, and three annual pilgrimage festivals — Unleavened Bread, Harvest, and Ingathering. God promises to send an angel ahead of Israel to guard them and drive out the inhabitants of Canaan, warning them not to worship foreign gods.

While Moses is on the mountain, the people grow impatient and persuade Aaron to make a golden calf, declaring it their god who brought them out of Egypt. God's anger burns and Moses intercedes, then descends and shatters the stone tablets. Moses calls the Levites to execute judgment, and about 3,000 people die.

Ezekiel eats the scroll and it tastes like honey. God appoints him as a watchman for Israel — responsible for warning the wicked or sharing in their guilt. The Spirit lifts him up and he sits overwhelmed among the exiles for seven days.

God commands Ezekiel to perform dramatic sign-acts: build a model of Jerusalem under siege, lie on his left side for 390 days and his right for 40 days representing years of Israel and Judah's punishment, and bake bread over dung as a sign of unclean food in exile.

God tells Ezekiel to shave his head and divide the hair: one third burned, one third struck with a sword, one third scattered to the wind — representing Jerusalem's fate. A small portion tucked in his garment represents the remnant. God's anger is described in terrifying terms.

God pronounces judgment on the mountains and high places of Israel where idolatry was practiced. The idols will be shattered and their worshipers will fall among them. Yet a remnant will survive, and in exile they will remember God and loathe their sinful past.

The end has come. God declares the final day of judgment on the land of Israel. Wealth will be thrown in the streets, the temple will be profaned, and violence fills the land. No prophet's vision or priest's teaching can save them now.

The Spirit transports Ezekiel to Jerusalem's temple where he sees escalating abominations: an idol of jealousy at the entrance, elders burning incense to images of crawling creatures, women weeping for Tammuz, and men worshiping the sun. The corruption is total.

God commands six executioners and a man with a writing kit. The scribe marks the foreheads of those who grieve over Jerusalem's abominations — they will be spared. The rest are slaughtered without mercy, beginning at the sanctuary itself.

The glory of the Lord — the same vision from chapter 1 with cherubim and wheels — begins to depart from the temple. God's presence moves from the Most Holy Place to the threshold, then to the east gate. The departure of God's glory is the most devastating event in Israel's history.

Ezekiel sees corrupt leaders in Jerusalem planning evil. God strikes one dead as a sign. The exiles are told they are actually closer to God than those in Jerusalem. God promises a new heart and a new spirit — removing the heart of stone and giving a heart of flesh.

God condemns false prophets who prophesy from their own imagination, whitewashing a flimsy wall that will collapse. He also confronts false prophetesses who practice divination. Their lies give false hope and prevent the wicked from turning back.

Elders come to consult Ezekiel but have set up idols in their hearts. God refuses to answer them. Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in the land, they could only save themselves — not the nation. Personal righteousness cannot substitute for national repentance.

Jerusalem is compared to a vine — but unlike a fruitful vine, its wood is useless for anything. Not even good enough for a peg, and now it's charred by fire. God will make the land desolate because of their unfaithfulness.

God demolishes the proverb about fathers eating sour grapes and children's teeth being set on edge. Each person is responsible for their own sin — the righteous will live, the wicked will die. God takes no pleasure in death and calls everyone to repent and live.

A funeral lament for Israel's princes, using images of a lioness whose cubs (kings) were captured, and a vine once fruitful now withered and burned. The chapter mourns the end of Judah's royal dynasty.

God recounts Israel's history of rebellion — from Egypt through the wilderness to the promised land, every generation rebelled. Yet God withheld judgment for His name's sake. He promises a future purging and restoration in a new exodus greater than the first.

God unsheaths His sword against Jerusalem. The sword is sharpened and polished for slaughter. Nebuchadnezzar stands at a crossroads using divination to decide whether to attack Jerusalem or Ammon — the lots fall on Jerusalem. The crown will be removed until the rightful ruler comes.

A comprehensive indictment of Jerusalem as a bloody city. Princes, priests, prophets, and people are all corrupt — violence, extortion, profaning holy things, and oppressing foreigners. God searched for someone to stand in the gap but found no one.

The allegory of Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem) — two sisters who became prostitutes in Egypt from their youth. Oholibah is worse, lusting after Assyrian and Babylonian lovers. God will turn these lovers against her in graphic judgment.

Oracles against four neighboring nations who rejoiced over Jerusalem's fall: Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. Each is condemned for gloating over Judah's destruction. They too will know that God is the Lord through His judgment.

An oracle against Tyre, the great Phoenician trading city. God sends Nebuchadnezzar against it like waves of the sea. Tyre will become a bare rock where fishermen spread their nets — a prophecy remarkably fulfilled in history.

A detailed lament over Tyre's splendor as a great trading ship. Every luxury and trading partner is catalogued — a remarkable economic snapshot of the ancient world. But this magnificent vessel will sink beneath the waves, and all who traded with her will mourn.

The king of Tyre is addressed as one who was in Eden, adorned with precious stones, a guardian cherub on God's holy mountain. His heart grew proud because of his beauty. This passage is often interpreted as describing Satan's fall alongside Tyre's literal king.

An oracle against Egypt: Pharaoh is a great dragon in the Nile that God will hook and drag out. Egypt will become desolate for forty years then be restored as a lowly kingdom — never again a source of false confidence for Israel.

The Day of the Lord comes for Egypt and its allies. God will break the arms of Pharaoh while strengthening Babylon's arm. Egypt's proud power — its cities, armies, and alliances — will be shattered, and they will know that God is the Lord.

Egypt is compared to Assyria, once a magnificent cedar of Lebanon, taller than all trees, envied by Eden itself. But its heart became proud and God cut it down. Egypt will share the same fate — a warning against national pride.

A lament over Pharaoh as a dragon caught in God's net. Egypt descends to the pit, joining other fallen powers — Assyria, Elam, Meshech-Tubal — all lying slain. A haunting tour of Sheol where mighty empires rest in shame.

After Jerusalem falls, Ezekiel is reinstated as watchman. God declares: I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked but rather that they turn and live. A survivor arrives confirming Jerusalem's destruction, and Ezekiel's mouth is opened to speak freely again.

God condemns the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves instead of the flock. He will rescue His sheep personally and raise up one shepherd — His servant David — to tend them. A covenant of peace and showers of blessing will follow.

An oracle against Mount Seir (Edom) for its ancient hatred of Israel and its gloating over Jerusalem's fall. Because Edom said these two nations will be mine, God will make Edom a perpetual desolation.

Gog from the land of Magog leads a massive coalition against restored Israel. God Himself fights back with earthquake, plague, fire, and hailstone — a dramatic end-times battle demonstrating His power before all nations.

The defeat of Gog continues: his armies are destroyed so thoroughly that Israel burns their weapons for seven years and buries their dead for seven months. God's glory is displayed to all nations, and He pours out His Spirit on Israel, never hiding His face again.

The land is divided with a sacred district for the temple, priests, and the prince. Rules for offerings and festivals are established. The prince has responsibilities for maintaining worship — a humble, servant-leadership model.

Regulations for the prince's worship, sabbath offerings, and daily sacrifices. The prince enters by the east gate vestibule but exits a different way. Land inheritance rules prevent the prince from oppressing the people — power is checked.

The serpent deceives Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, and Adam follows. Their disobedience brings sin, shame, and death into the world. God pronounces curses but also promises that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent's head.

Cain and Abel bring offerings to God; Abel's is accepted but Cain's is not. Jealous and angry, Cain murders his brother and is cursed to wander the earth. The chapter traces Cain's descendants and ends with Seth's birth.

Humanity's wickedness grows so great that God grieves having made mankind and decides to send a worldwide flood. Noah alone finds favour with God because of his righteousness. God instructs Noah to build an ark to preserve his family and representatives of every living creature.

Noah, his family, and the animals enter the ark as God commanded. The floodwaters rise for forty days and forty nights, covering even the highest mountains. Every living creature outside the ark perishes as God's judgment falls upon the earth.

God blesses Noah and establishes a covenant never to destroy the earth by flood again, setting the rainbow as its sign. God gives new dietary permissions and institutes the principle of capital punishment for murder. Noah plants a vineyard, becomes drunk, and Ham's disrespect leads to prophetic blessings and curses on his sons.

Three visitors appear to Abraham at Mamre and reaffirm that Sarah will have a son within a year. Sarah laughs in disbelief. Abraham then intercedes with God for the city of Sodom, negotiating from fifty righteous people down to ten.

Two angels visit Sodom and are welcomed by Lot. The men of Sodom surround the house demanding the visitors, but the angels strike them blind. God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone; Lot's wife looks back and becomes a pillar of salt.

Dinah, Jacob's daughter, is violated by Shechem the son of Hamor. Simeon and Levi avenge their sister by tricking the men of Shechem into being circumcised and then slaughtering them. Jacob rebukes his sons for bringing trouble, but they defend their sister's honour.

Judah separates from his brothers and marries a Canaanite woman. After his sons Er and Onan die, Judah fails to give his daughter-in-law Tamar his third son. Tamar disguises herself and conceives twins by Judah, who acknowledges she is more righteous than he.

Joseph plants his silver cup in Benjamin's sack and sends his steward to arrest them. When the cup is found, Judah offers himself as a slave in Benjamin's place, showing how much the brothers have changed. Judah's passionate plea reveals deep concern for their father Jacob.

Habakkuk boldly questions God: Why do you tolerate injustice in Judah? God's shocking answer: He is raising up the Babylonians to punish them. Habakkuk protests again — how can a holy God use a more wicked nation to judge a less wicked one?

Habakkuk waits on his watchtower for God's answer. It comes: the vision awaits its appointed time — wait for it. The righteous shall live by faith — a verse that shapes Paul's entire theology. Five woes follow against the arrogant oppressor. The earth will be filled with knowledge of God's glory as waters cover the sea.

God brings charges against Israel: no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God. Priests fail to teach, the people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Spiritual and physical adultery are linked — Israel has left their God to give themselves to prostitution.

Judgment is pronounced against both Israel and Judah. Their pride testifies against them, and God will be like a moth and like rot to them — slow, persistent decay. Yet God will withdraw until they acknowledge their guilt and earnestly seek His face.

Israel is like a half-baked cake — heated on one side, raw on the other. Their hearts burn with intrigue like an oven, mixing with nations, calling to Egypt and Assyria. They are like a faulty bow that misses every target.

Israel will return to captivity like another Egypt. The prophet is considered a fool, the spiritual man mad. Ephraim's glory will fly away — no birth, no pregnancy, no conception. God found Israel like grapes in the wilderness, but they turned to shame.

Israel is a luxuriant vine that produced fruit for itself. Their heart is divided, their altars will be destroyed, and thorns will grow over their high places. The call: Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap steadfast love, break up your fallow ground — it is time to seek the Lord.

God recounts Jacob's history — wrestling with the angel, meeting God at Bethel — and challenges Israel to return like their ancestor did. Ephraim's lies and violence are condemned, while the prophet's role in delivering Israel from Egypt is affirmed.

God confronts Judah's rebellion, comparing them to Sodom and Gomorrah. He rejects their empty religious rituals and calls them to genuine justice and repentance, promising cleansing for those who return to Him.

Isaiah envisions the future exaltation of God's temple above all mountains, with nations streaming to learn His ways. The chapter contrasts this glorious future with present-day idolatry and human pride that will be humbled.

God removes Judah's leadership and stability as judgment for their sin. The chapter describes social collapse and specifically addresses the proud women of Zion, warning that their luxury will be replaced with shame.

After judgment, God promises a remnant will be called holy. He will create a canopy of glory over Mount Zion, providing shelter and protection — a beautiful picture of restoration after discipline.

The famous Song of the Vineyard portrays Israel as God's carefully tended vineyard that produced only bad fruit. Six woes follow, condemning greed, drunkenness, and moral confusion — calling evil good and good evil.

God uses Assyria as His rod of discipline against Israel but will then judge Assyria for its arrogance. A remnant of Israel will return, trusting in God rather than their oppressors.

A shoot from Jesse's stump will bear fruit — the Spirit-filled messianic King who judges with righteousness. His kingdom brings cosmic peace where the wolf lies with the lamb, and knowledge of God covers the earth.

The first of Isaiah's oracles against the nations targets Babylon. God summons warriors for the Day of the Lord — a day of destruction, darkness, and cosmic upheaval against Babylon's pride.

Continues the Babylon oracle with a taunt song against the fallen king. The passage about the morning star falling from heaven has been historically interpreted as describing Satan's fall. Israel's restoration is contrasted with Babylon's ruin.

An oracle against Moab describing the nation's devastation. Isaiah shows genuine grief over Moab's suffering — his heart cries out for them — revealing God's compassion even in judgment of enemy nations.

Continues the Moab oracle, urging Moab to seek shelter under Judah's king. The chapter prophesies Moab's eventual humbling within three years and expresses Isaiah's deep sorrow over their coming destruction.

An oracle against Damascus and northern Israel (Ephraim) who allied against Judah. Both will face devastation, but a remnant will turn back to God, forsaking their idols and altars to false gods.

An oracle concerning Cush (Ethiopia/Sudan), describing a powerful nation beyond the rivers. God watches from His dwelling as events unfold, and eventually Cush will bring gifts to the Lord on Mount Zion.

An oracle against Egypt describing civil war, economic collapse, and spiritual confusion. Remarkably, it ends with Egypt, Assyria, and Israel worshiping God together — one of the most inclusive visions in the Old Testament.

Oracles against Babylon (the Desert by the Sea), Edom (Dumah), and Arabia. Isaiah is physically shaken by his vision of Babylon's fall, crying out like a watchman in the night about what he has seen.

An oracle against Tyre, the great Phoenician trading city. Its commercial empire will be destroyed for seventy years, then restored — but ultimately its wealth will be dedicated to the Lord.

The Isaiah Apocalypse begins. The entire earth faces devastating judgment — the land is laid waste, social order collapses, and even the cosmic powers are shaken. Yet the chapter ends with God reigning gloriously on Mount Zion.

Woe to the drunkards of Ephraim whose glorious beauty is fading. Isaiah confronts leaders who mock his message. God will lay a precious cornerstone in Zion — a messianic prophecy — while judgment comes like a flood on the scoffers.

Woe to Ariel (Jerusalem) — God will besiege His own city, yet enemies will vanish like a dream. The chapter condemns lip-service worship and announces that God will do a wonderful work, turning Lebanon into a fruitful field.

A king will reign in righteousness and leaders will provide shelter like streams in the desert. After warning complacent women about coming hardship, the chapter promises the Spirit will be poured out, bringing justice, peace, and security.

A prayer for God's intervention against Assyria. When the destroyer finishes, he will be destroyed. Those who walk righteously will see the King in His beauty and dwell securely in Zion where God is judge, lawgiver, and king.

A terrifying oracle of universal judgment. God's wrath falls on all nations, particularly Edom, in apocalyptic language of cosmic destruction. The sword of the Lord is bathed in blood as He executes justice on the earth.

The first Servant Song introduces God's chosen Servant who will bring justice to the nations with gentleness — not breaking a bruised reed or snuffing a faintly burning wick. A new song of praise follows, and God promises to lead the blind by new paths.

A dramatic taunt against Babylon, personified as a pampered queen who will be reduced to a slave grinding grain. Her sorceries and astrologers cannot save her. Babylon's fall is certain and complete.

God's salvation extends to foreigners and eunuchs who keep His covenant — no one is excluded. His house will be a house of prayer for all nations. But Israel's watchmen are blind and its shepherds lack understanding.

True fasting is not ritual hunger but justice: loosing chains of injustice, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless. When Israel practices true righteousness, their light will break forth like dawn and God will satisfy and guide them continually.

Israel's sins have separated them from God — His arm is not too short to save, but their iniquities have hidden His face. Sin is vividly described. God Himself puts on righteousness as armor and comes as Redeemer to Zion.

God comes from Edom with garments stained crimson, having trodden the winepress of judgment alone. The chapter shifts to a poignant prayer recalling God's faithfulness to Israel in the past while lamenting their present hardened state.

God responds to the prayer: He has always been available to those who didn't seek Him, yet Israel provoked Him. He promises new heavens and a new earth where weeping is no more, life is long, and the wolf and lamb feed together — ultimate restoration.

The grand finale: heaven is God's throne and earth His footstool — what house could contain Him? He values the humble and contrite. Zion gives birth to a nation in a day. God gathers all nations to see His glory. A vision of eternal worship and the new creation.

James condemns favoritism in the church—showing partiality based on wealth violates the royal law of love. He argues forcefully that faith without works is dead. Abraham and Rahab demonstrated faith through action. Just as the body without the spirit is dead, faith without deeds is dead.

James warns the rich about coming judgment and calls for patient endurance, using Job and the prophets as examples. He encourages the sick to call for elders to pray over them. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. He closes urging believers to turn back anyone who wanders from the truth.

The first judges arise: Othniel defeats the Mesopotamians, Ehud assassinates the Moabite king Eglon with a hidden sword, and Shamgar strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad.

Gideon pursues and captures the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna. He refuses the people's offer to make him king but creates a golden ephod that becomes an idol. Israel has peace for 40 years until Gideon's death.

Abimelech, Gideon's son by a concubine, murders his 70 brothers and makes himself king at Shechem. Only Jotham escapes and pronounces a prophetic parable. Abimelech's violent reign ends when a woman drops a millstone on his head.

Tola and Jair serve as minor judges for a combined 45 years. Israel again turns to foreign gods, and God allows the Ammonites and Philistines to oppress them. When Israel cries out and puts away their idols, God is moved by their misery.

The Ephraimites quarrel with Jephthah for not calling them to battle. Civil war erupts, and 42,000 Ephraimites are identified and killed by their pronunciation of Shibboleth. Three minor judges follow: Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon.

Samson takes revenge on the Philistines by tying torches to foxes and burning their fields. Captured and bound by his own people, the Spirit of the Lord empowers him to break free and kill 1,000 Philistines with a donkey's jawbone.

Samson falls in love with Delilah, who is bribed by the Philistines to discover the source of his strength. After repeated attempts, he reveals his Nazirite hair secret. His hair is cut, his strength leaves, and the Philistines capture and blind him. At a temple celebration, his strength returns and he collapses the building, killing more Philistines in death than in life.

The tribe of Dan, seeking territory, steals Micah's idol and priest. They conquer the peaceful city of Laish, rename it Dan, and set up the stolen idol as their tribal worship center, establishing idolatry that persists for generations.

A Levite's concubine is brutally assaulted and killed by men of Gibeah in Benjamin. The Levite dismembers her body and sends the pieces throughout Israel to provoke outrage. This horrific event reveals the moral collapse of the nation.

All Israel assembles and demands justice from Benjamin for the atrocity at Gibeah. When Benjamin refuses, civil war erupts. After two devastating defeats, Israel finally prevails on the third day, nearly wiping out the tribe of Benjamin.

Israel grieves that Benjamin is nearly extinct but has sworn not to give them wives. They find solutions through the destruction of Jabesh-gilead and by allowing Benjamin to take wives from a festival at Shiloh. The book ends noting that in those days there was no king in Israel.

Judgment from the north approaches like a lion from its thicket. Jeremiah agonizes over the coming destruction and sees a vision of creation undone — the earth formless and void again. He pleads with Jerusalem to wash its heart from evil.

God challenges Jeremiah to find even one just person in Jerusalem — if one exists, He will forgive the city. But the people are rebellious, their prophets speak lies, and they have no fear of God despite His power over the sea and seasons.

Disaster approaches from the north as God tells Jeremiah to sound the alarm. The people refuse correction, their ears are closed. Jeremiah is appointed as a tester of metals — the people are rejected silver, impure and worthless despite refining.

The famous Temple Sermon: Jeremiah stands at the temple gates warning not to trust in the mere presence of the temple building. Worship without justice is meaningless. God reminds them of Shiloh's destruction and threatens the same fate for Jerusalem.

The people persist in deception, with priests and prophets offering superficial peace. Jeremiah laments: the harvest is past, the summer ended, and we are not saved. Even the stork knows its seasons, but God's people don't know His requirements.

Jeremiah wishes his head were a fountain of tears to weep for his people. The land is full of deceit and no one speaks truth. True boasting is not in wisdom, strength, or riches but in knowing the Lord who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness.

God reminds Judah of the covenant they broke — the terms of the Mosaic covenant they swore to keep. A conspiracy against Jeremiah's life is revealed, even from his hometown Anathoth, showing the personal cost of his prophetic ministry.

Jeremiah dares to question God: why do the wicked prosper? God's answer is sobering — if running against men exhausts you, how will you compete with horses? The chapter describes God's grief over abandoning His beloved land to enemies.

Judah's sin is engraved with an iron stylus on their hearts. The famous contrast: cursed is the one who trusts in man, blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord — like a tree planted by water. The heart is deceitful above all things — who can understand it?

God sends Jeremiah to the potter's house. As the potter reshapes a marred vessel, so God can reshape nations. When the people plot against Jeremiah, he prays for judgment on his persecutors — one of his most raw, honest prayers.

God tells Jeremiah to buy a clay jar and smash it before the elders as a dramatic sign: Jerusalem will be shattered beyond repair. The valley of Ben Hinnom — where children were sacrificed — will become a valley of slaughter.

King Zedekiah sends for Jeremiah during the Babylonian siege, hoping for a miracle like Hezekiah received. Instead, Jeremiah says God Himself will fight against Jerusalem. The only survival is surrender to Babylon.

Jeremiah confronts the royal house of Judah, contrasting good King Josiah with his wicked sons. King Jehoiakim built his palace with forced labor and injustice. King Jehoiachin (Coniah) is declared childless regarding the throne — none of his descendants will rule.

Woe to false shepherds who scatter God's flock. God promises a righteous Branch from David's line who will reign wisely — the Lord Our Righteousness. The chapter fiercely denounces false prophets who speak visions from their own minds rather than from God.

Jeremiah summarizes twenty-three years of ignored warnings. God will send Nebuchadnezzar against Judah and the nations, followed by seventy years of Babylonian captivity. Then Babylon itself will be judged. A cup of God's wrath passes to all nations.

Jeremiah preaches the Temple Sermon (chapter 7) and is arrested, tried for blasphemy, and nearly executed. Elders defend him by citing the precedent of Micah the prophet. He narrowly escapes death, while prophet Uriah is not so fortunate.

The false prophet Hananiah breaks Jeremiah's wooden yoke and prophesies a quick return from exile. God replaces it with an iron yoke and sentences Hananiah to death within the year — he dies two months later, vindicating Jeremiah.

King Zedekiah briefly freed Hebrew slaves during the siege, then re-enslaved them when pressure eased. God condemns this hypocrisy and covenant-breaking, declaring that those who passed through the cut calf will be given to their enemies.

Jerusalem falls to Babylon in 586 BC. Zedekiah flees but is captured, his sons killed before his eyes, then blinded. Nebuchadnezzar spares Jeremiah and frees him. Ebed-Melech is also spared because he trusted in God — faith rewarded amid catastrophe.

After Jerusalem's fall, Nebuchadnezzar's commander frees Jeremiah and allows him to stay in Judah. Gedaliah is appointed governor. Remnant Jews gather around him, and the land begins tentative recovery under Babylonian oversight.

Ishmael, of royal blood, assassinates Governor Gedaliah and massacres his supporters in a horrific act of political violence. He takes captives, but Johanan leads a rescue mission. The survivors prepare to flee to Egypt against God's will.

Oracles against the nations begin with Egypt. Pharaoh Necho's army, defeated at Carchemish by Nebuchadnezzar, is described as a swollen river turned back. Yet God promises that Jacob need not fear — He will save Israel from afar and discipline them justly.

An oracle against the Philistines as Babylon approaches from the north like rising floodwaters. The cities of Gaza and Ashkelon will mourn. God's sword of judgment will not rest until it has accomplished its purpose.

A lengthy oracle against Moab, detailing the destruction of its cities and pride. Moab trusted in its works and treasures, and its god Chemosh will go into exile. Yet God promises to restore Moab's fortunes in the latter days — judgment is not final.

Oracles against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. Edom's destruction is most detailed — their pride in dwelling among the rocks (Petra) cannot save them. God promises restoration for Ammon and Elam in the latter days.

The massive oracle against Babylon begins. Babylon, destroyer of nations, will itself be destroyed. Israel and Judah will return from exile weeping with joy, seeking their God. The vengeance of the Lord will repay Babylon for destroying His temple.

Continues the Babylon oracle with cosmic-scale destruction imagery. God used Babylon as His hammer to shatter nations, but now shatters the hammer itself. Jeremiah tells Seraiah to read this oracle in Babylon and sink the scroll in the Euphrates — so shall Babylon sink.

A historical appendix paralleling 2 Kings 25: the fall of Jerusalem, the temple's destruction, the exile, and the final note of hope — King Jehoiachin is released from prison and given a seat at Babylon's king's table, a small but significant sign of future grace.

Jesus heals a man who has been an invalid for thirty-eight years at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath. The religious leaders persecute Him, and Jesus makes stunning claims about His relationship with the Father, declaring that the Son gives life to whom He wills.

Jesus forgives the woman caught in adultery, telling her accusers that whoever is without sin should cast the first stone. He declares Himself the light of the world and teaches about spiritual freedom: you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. He makes the explosive claim: before Abraham was, I AM.

Pilate has Jesus flogged, mocked, and presented to the crowd. Despite finding no guilt, he hands Jesus over. Jesus carries His cross to Golgotha and is crucified. He entrusts His mother to John, declares it is finished, and gives up His spirit. His side is pierced, and He is buried in a new tomb.

Eliphaz begins his first speech, arguing that innocent people do not suffer and that Job should seek God. He recounts a mysterious vision in the night that reinforced his belief that no mortal is righteous before God.

Eliphaz continues his counsel, urging Job to accept God's discipline as a blessing. He describes God's power to humble the proud and exalt the lowly, assuring Job that restoration follows repentance.

Bildad speaks, arguing that God does not pervert justice and that Job's children must have sinned. He urges Job to seek God and promises restoration if Job is truly pure and upright.

Job acknowledges God's power and wisdom but questions how a mortal can be righteous before God. He longs for a mediator between himself and God, feeling unable to present his case fairly.

Zophar speaks harshly, accusing Job of empty talk and insisting that God is actually punishing him less than he deserves. He urges Job to repent and promises that life will become brighter than noonday.

Job responds with biting sarcasm, declaring that he is not inferior to his friends. He describes God's sovereign power over nations, rulers, and nature, showing that God's ways transcend simple retribution.

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.

Eliphaz begins his second speech, growing harsher. He accuses Job of undermining piety and claims that Job's own mouth condemns him. He paints a vivid picture of the wicked person's fate as a warning.

Job calls his friends miserable comforters and describes God as an adversary who has shattered him. Yet he appeals to a witness in heaven who will vouch for him, expressing a glimmer of hope amid despair.

Job describes his broken spirit and fading hope. He challenges God to provide a pledge for him since no one else will stand as his guarantor. He sees only the grave ahead.

Bildad delivers his second speech, describing the terrors awaiting the wicked in graphic detail. He portrays their downfall as certain and complete, implicitly accusing Job of being among the wicked.

Zophar's second speech describes the short-lived triumph of the wicked. He argues that ill-gotten gains will be vomited up and that God's wrath will rain down upon the unrighteous.

Job demolishes his friends' theology by pointing out that the wicked often prosper, live long lives, and die peacefully. He argues that experience contradicts their neat retribution framework.

Eliphaz's third speech makes specific false accusations against Job, claiming he oppressed the poor and denied bread to the hungry. He urges Job to return to God and be restored.

Job longs to find God and present his case, confident he would be acquitted. Yet God seems hidden and unreachable. Despite this, Job declares that God knows the way he takes and he will come forth as gold.

Job describes injustice in the world: the wicked move boundary stones, oppress orphans, and exploit the poor while seemingly escaping punishment. He questions why God does not set times of judgment.

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.

Job reminisces about his former life of honour and influence. He was respected at the city gate, helped the poor, and was like a king among his troops. This contrast with his current state deepens his grief.

Job delivers his final defence, a comprehensive oath of innocence covering sexual purity, honesty, generosity, idolatry, and treatment of servants. He challenges God to bring charges or vindicate him.

Young Elihu enters, angry at Job for justifying himself rather than God, and at the three friends for condemning Job without answering him. He claims to speak by the Spirit and prepares his case.

Elihu defends God's justice, arguing that the Almighty cannot do wrong and governs with perfect equity. He accuses Job of adding rebellion to his sin by questioning God's fairness.

Elihu argues that human righteousness or wickedness does not affect God, who is far above the clouds. He suggests that the oppressed cry out but do not truly seek God as their Maker.

Elihu proclaims God's greatness and argues that suffering can be instructive. Those who listen to God are restored to prosperity, but those who refuse perish. He points to God's majestic works in nature.

God gathers all nations to the Valley of Jehoshaphat for judgment. Beat your plowshares into swords — the reverse of Isaiah's peace vision — for this is war. The nations are judged, Jerusalem becomes holy, and God dwells in Zion forever.

Israel is defeated at Ai because Achan took forbidden plunder from Jericho. God reveals the sin, and Achan and his family face judgment. Israel learns that one person's disobedience affects the whole community.

God commands Joshua to designate six cities of refuge — three on each side of the Jordan — where those who accidentally kill someone can flee for protection from the avenger of blood.

Jude writes urgently to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. He warns about ungodly people who have infiltrated the church, using examples of fallen angels, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Korah's rebellion. He closes with one of Scripture's greatest doxologies: to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and present you blameless before His glorious presence with great joy.

Jerusalem sits desolate like a widow, once great among nations now a slave. The city weeps bitterly in the night with no one to comfort her. She acknowledges her rebellion while crying out to God in her suffering — a raw lament over the fall of the holy city.

God Himself is the destroyer — He has swallowed up Israel without pity, demolished His own sanctuary, and silenced praise in Zion. The prophet weeps until his eyes fail. Young and old lie in the streets. The chapter confronts the devastating reality that God judges His own people.

The sacred gold is scattered, children beg for bread, and nobles once fairer than snow are blacker than soot. The horrors of the siege are described in graphic detail — mothers boiling their own children. Edom is warned that its turn for judgment is coming.

A communal prayer for restoration. The people describe their humiliation: strangers occupy their homes, they work under cruel taskmasters, and joy has left their hearts. They plead: Restore us, O Lord — unless you have utterly rejected us. The book ends with an unanswered question, leaving hope and uncertainty in tension.

God gives further instructions to the priests about maintaining the altar fire, which must never go out. Detailed procedures are given for the grain offering, the priestly ordination offering, and the sin offering. The priests are to eat their portion of the offerings in a holy place.

Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, offer unauthorised fire before the Lord and are immediately consumed by fire from God's presence. God commands Aaron not to mourn publicly and forbids priests from drinking wine before serving. This severe judgment underscores the holiness required in approaching God.

God commands Israel not to follow the practices of Egypt or Canaan. He lists forbidden sexual relationships — incest, adultery, homosexuality, and bestiality. Child sacrifice to Molech is also prohibited. God warns that the land itself will vomit out those who defile it with these practices.

God calls Israel to be holy as He is holy and gives a wide-ranging collection of ethical, social, and religious laws. These include respecting parents, keeping the Sabbath, leaving gleanings for the poor, not stealing or lying, paying workers promptly, and the famous command to love your neighbour as yourself.

God prescribes penalties for various sins including child sacrifice to Molech, consulting mediums, cursing parents, adultery, incest, and other sexual sins. Many offences carry the death penalty. God emphasises that Israel must be holy and distinct from the nations He is driving out before them.

God commands that pure olive oil be kept burning continually in the lampstand and twelve loaves of showbread be set on the table each Sabbath. A man who blasphemes God's name is stoned to death, and the chapter establishes the principle of eye for eye, tooth for tooth — equal justice for all.

God institutes the Sabbath year (every seventh year the land rests) and the Year of Jubilee (every fiftieth year). In Jubilee, all land returns to its original owners, slaves are freed, and debts are cancelled. God promises to provide enough in the sixth year to sustain through the rest period.

God presents the blessings and curses of the covenant. Obedience brings rain, harvests, peace, and God's presence. Disobedience brings terror, disease, famine, exile, and the land made desolate. Yet even in judgment, God promises that if they confess their sins, He will remember His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Jesus teaches the disciples to pray, giving a version of the Lord's Prayer. He teaches about persistent prayer and the Father's willingness to give the Holy Spirit. He confronts the Pharisees and lawyers, pronouncing woes on their hypocrisy and burdensome rules.

Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd manager, teaching about faithfulness with money and the impossibility of serving both God and money. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus reveals the eternal consequences of ignoring the suffering at your doorstep.

The religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority. He tells the parable of the wicked tenants, answers questions about paying taxes to Caesar, and teaches about the resurrection. He warns about the scribes who devour widows' houses while making long prayers.

Jesus is tried before Pilate and Herod, neither finding guilt. Pilate offers to release Him but the crowd demands Barabbas. Jesus is crucified between two criminals; one repents and Jesus promises him paradise. Darkness covers the land, the temple curtain tears, and Jesus commends His spirit to the Father.

God curses the priests for breaking the covenant of Levi. He condemns divorce — I hate divorce, says the Lord — because they are breaking faith with the wives of their youth. They have wearied God by calling evil good and asking where is the God of justice?

God will send His messenger to prepare the way — fulfilled by John the Baptist. Then the Lord will suddenly come to His temple. God challenges: return to Me and I will return to you. Bring the full tithe and test Me — I will open heaven's floodgates of blessing. I the Lord do not change — therefore you are not consumed.

The day is coming, burning like a furnace — but for those who fear God's name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. God will send Elijah the prophet before the great day, who will turn fathers' hearts to children. The Old Testament closes looking forward to the Messiah's forerunner.

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with teachings on judging others, the narrow gate, recognizing false prophets by their fruit, and the parable of wise and foolish builders. He emphasizes that hearing and doing His words is the foundation that endures.

Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy. He cleanses the temple, curses a fig tree as a lesson on fruitfulness and faith, and confronts the religious leaders with parables about obedience and rejection.

Jesus delivers a fierce denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees, pronouncing seven woes against their hypocrisy. He condemns them for burdening people with rules while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He laments over Jerusalem, longing to gather her children as a hen gathers chicks.

Jesus tells three parables about preparedness and faithfulness: the ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and goats. The parable of the talents teaches stewardship and accountability, while the sheep and goats reveals that serving the least of these is serving Christ Himself.

Jesus is tried before Pilate, who finds no fault in Him but yields to the crowd demanding crucifixion. Judas returns the silver and hangs himself. Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crucified between two criminals. Darkness covers the land, the temple veil tears, and Jesus gives up His spirit. Joseph of Arimathea buries Him in a new tomb.

Micah announces judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem — the mountains melt under God's feet and valleys split apart. Samaria's idols will be shattered and its wages scattered. Micah mourns barefoot and naked, wailing like a jackal over the coming devastation.

Woe to those who plot evil on their beds and carry it out by morning — seizing fields and oppressing families. False prophets say peace when there is wine and beer. Yet God promises to gather the remnant of Israel like sheep in a pen.

Leaders who should know justice instead eat the flesh of God's people. Prophets lead people astray; they prophesy for money. Because of them, Zion will be plowed like a field. Micah is filled with the Spirit's power to declare Israel's sin boldly.

God takes Israel to court, with the mountains as witnesses. What does the Lord require? Not thousands of rams or rivers of oil, but to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God — one of the most famous ethical summaries in all of Scripture.

Micah laments: the faithful have vanished, everyone lies in wait for blood, trust no one — not even family. Yet the book ends with astonishing hope: God will again have compassion, tread iniquities underfoot, hurl sins into the sea, and show faithfulness to Abraham — who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity?

Jesus is tried before Pilate, who releases Barabbas instead. Soldiers mock Jesus with a purple robe and crown of thorns, then crucify Him. Darkness covers the land, Jesus cries out and breathes His last, the temple curtain tears, and a centurion declares He was truly the Son of God.

God is jealous and avenging against Nineveh — 150 years after Jonah, Nineveh has returned to wickedness. God is slow to anger but great in power, and will by no means clear the guilty. Yet He is a refuge in the day of trouble for those who trust in Him.

A vivid, cinematic description of Nineveh's fall: chariots race through streets, defenders stumble, the river gates open, and the palace collapses. The lion's den (Assyria's symbol of power) is emptied. God is against Nineveh — their cruelty comes to a decisive end.

Woe to the city of blood, full of lies and plunder! Nineveh is compared to a prostitute who seduced and enslaved nations through sorcery. Her fall will be total and unmourned — everyone who hears the news will clap their hands because of her endless cruelty.

Nehemiah confronts wealthy Jews who are exploiting their own people through excessive interest and foreclosure during the rebuilding. He demands they return the land and stop the usury. Nehemiah himself refuses the governor's food allowance to avoid burdening the people.

God commands that ceremonially unclean people be sent outside the camp to protect its purity. Laws address restitution for wrongs, with an added fifth added to compensation. The chapter details the test of bitter water for a woman suspected of adultery by her husband.

Miriam and Aaron criticise Moses for his Cushite wife and question whether God speaks only through Moses. God rebukes them, declaring Moses uniquely faithful and that He speaks with Moses face to face. Miriam is struck with a skin disease for seven days, and the camp waits for her restoration.

The people weep, rebel, and want to return to Egypt. God threatens to destroy them, but Moses intercedes. God pardons the people but decrees that the entire adult generation (except Caleb and Joshua) will die in the wilderness over forty years. Some Israelites then rashly attack and are defeated.

God gives supplementary laws about offerings to be observed once Israel enters the Promised Land — a sign of ongoing hope despite the wilderness sentence. A man caught gathering wood on the Sabbath is stoned. God commands Israel to wear tassels on their garments as reminders to obey His commands.

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram lead 250 leaders in a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, claiming all the people are holy enough to lead. God judges dramatically — the earth opens and swallows the rebels and their households, then fire consumes the 250 men offering incense. Even after this, the people grumble and a plague kills 14,700.

Israelite men are seduced into sexual immorality and idolatry with Moabite women at Baal Peor, following Balaam's counsel. God's anger brings a plague that kills 24,000. Phinehas the priest zealously intervenes by executing an Israelite man and Midianite woman together, and God grants him a covenant of peace for his zeal.

After the plague, God commands a second census of the new generation. The total military count is 601,730 — slightly fewer than the first census. The entire first generation has died in the wilderness except Caleb and Joshua. Land is to be distributed by lot according to tribal size.

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.

God commands Israel to take vengeance on Midian for the Baal Peor seduction. Twelve thousand soldiers defeat Midian, killing their kings and Balaam. The plunder is divided between warriors, the community, and the Levites. The soldiers offer gold to the Lord as a memorial because not one Israelite was lost in battle.

A complete travel log lists all forty-two camping sites from Egypt to the plains of Moab, tracing Israel's entire wilderness journey. God commands Israel to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan, destroy their idols and high places, and divide the land by lot. He warns that failure to remove the inhabitants will cause ongoing trouble.

God commands the Israelites to give the Levites forty-eight cities with pasturelands throughout the nation. Six of these are designated as cities of refuge where someone who accidentally kills another can flee for protection from blood revenge. The chapter distinguishes between murder and manslaughter.

The leaders of Manasseh raise a concern that if the daughters of Zelophehad marry outside their tribe, their land inheritance would transfer permanently. God rules that women who inherit land must marry within their own tribe to keep each tribe's territory intact. The book closes with Israel on the plains of Moab, ready to enter the land.

The shortest book in the Old Testament: a single chapter oracle against Edom for its pride and betrayal of brother-nation Judah. When Jerusalem fell, Edom gloated, looted, and handed over refugees. God will bring Edom low from its mountain strongholds, and Israel will possess its land.

Solomon introduces the purpose of Proverbs: gaining wisdom, discipline, and understanding. Wisdom personified cries out in the public square, warning that rejecting her leads to disaster. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

Warnings against foolish pledges, laziness (go to the ant, you sluggard), and the seven things the Lord hates. Another warning against adultery, comparing it to walking on hot coals—can a man carry fire in his lap without being burned?

Wisdom personified speaks in the first person, declaring she was present at creation as God's master craftsman. She offers riches, honour, and life. Those who find her find life and receive favour from the Lord. Those who hate wisdom love death.

The beginning of Solomon's collected proverbs, mostly antithetical couplets contrasting the wise and foolish, righteous and wicked. A wise son brings joy; a foolish son brings grief. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.

Proverbs on honesty, generosity, and humility. A generous person prospers; dishonest scales are an abomination. Where there is no guidance, a nation falls. Beauty without discretion is like a gold ring in a pig's snout.

Proverbs on the power of words, hard work, and truthfulness. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Those who work their land have food; those who chase fantasies lack judgement.

Proverbs on the fear of the Lord, justice, and the two paths. There is a way that appears right but leads to death. The wise woman builds her house but the foolish one tears hers down. In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence.

Proverbs on friendship, conflict, and restraint. A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent.

Proverbs on integrity, wine, and justice. Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler. It is a trap to dedicate something rashly. The Lord detests differing weights. A king's wrath is a lion's roar.

Proverbs on the heart, justice, and humility. The king's heart is a stream of water directed by God. Every way of a person seems right, but God weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable than sacrifice.

Proverbs on reputation, parenting, and the poor. A good name is more desirable than great riches. Train up a child in the way he should go. The rich and poor have this in common: the Lord is the Maker of them all.

Wisdom builds a house through understanding. Do not gloat when your enemy falls. If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength. A little sleep, a little slumber, and poverty comes like a thief.

Proverbs collected by Hezekiah's scribes. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. If your enemy is hungry, feed him—Paul quotes this in Romans 12. Do not exalt yourself before the king.

Proverbs on justice, confession, and integrity. The wicked flee though no one pursues but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Proverbs on discipline, justice, and self-control. A person who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed. Where there is no vision, the people perish. The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

The gateway psalm contrasts the righteous who delight in God's law with the wicked who are like chaff blown by the wind. The blessed person is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season.

A morning prayer asking God to lead through enemies. David declares that God takes no pleasure in wickedness and asks to be guided in righteousness. The righteous find shelter and joy in God's protection.

David appeals to God as righteous judge to vindicate him against false accusations. He declares his innocence and asks God to arise in justice. The psalm warns that the wicked fall into their own traps.

A psalm of thanksgiving and justice. David praises God for upholding his cause and destroying the wicked. God is a refuge for the oppressed and does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

A lament over the arrogance of the wicked who prey on the helpless while believing God does not see. The psalmist calls on God to arise and defend the orphan and oppressed, trusting that God hears their desire.

When advised to flee like a bird, David declares his trust in the Lord whose throne is in heaven. God tests the righteous and loves justice. The upright will see his face.

A cry for help in a world of flattery and lies. David asks God to protect the faithful when everyone speaks with deception. God's words, unlike human speech, are pure like silver refined seven times.

The fool says in his heart there is no God. David describes universal human corruption and the oppression of God's people. He longs for salvation to come from Zion and for God to restore his people.

A psalm defining who may dwell in God's presence. The answer: one who walks blamelessly, speaks truth, does no wrong to neighbours, honours those who fear the Lord, and keeps promises even when it hurts.

David pleads for vindication, asking God to test his heart and find no wickedness. He asks for protection from deadly enemies and concludes with the hope of seeing God's face and being satisfied in his likeness.

David asks God to vindicate him, declaring that he has walked in integrity and has not sat with the deceitful. He loves God's house and asks to be gathered with the redeemed, not with sinners.

David cries out to God as his rock and asks not to be dragged away with the wicked. When God answers, David's heart leaps with joy. He declares the Lord as the strength and shepherd of his people.