Obedience 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 attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. When the oxen stumble and Uzzah touches the Ark, God strikes him dead. David is afraid and leaves the Ark at the house of Obed-edom, where it brings great blessing.

David establishes himself in Jerusalem. He defeats the Philistines twice at Baal-perazim and the Valley of Rephaim by seeking God's guidance. David's fame spreads to all nations.

David properly transports the Ark to Jerusalem on the shoulders of the Levites as the Law prescribes. He organizes musicians and singers for the joyful procession. David dances before the Lord with great celebration as the Ark enters the City of David.

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 organizes the priests into 24 divisions by lot for rotating temple service. This system ensures orderly worship and becomes the template used for centuries, including in Jesus' time when Zechariah served in the division of Abijah.

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 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 addresses marriage, singleness, and divorce. He teaches that each person should remain in the situation God called them. He commends singleness as a gift that allows undivided devotion to the Lord, while affirming marriage as good and honoring.

Paul addresses food sacrificed to idols, balancing knowledge with love. While idols are nothing and food does not bring us closer to God, knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Believers must not use their freedom to cause a weaker brother to stumble.

Paul warns against idolatry using Israel's wilderness failures as examples. He assures believers that God is faithful—He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but will provide a way out. He teaches that participation in communion is participation in Christ.

Paul discusses head coverings in worship and corrects abuses of the Lord's Supper. He recounts Jesus' institution of communion—this is my body, this is the new covenant in my blood—and warns against partaking in an unworthy manner.

Jesus is our advocate with the Father. John tests love for God by obedience to His commands—whoever says I know Him but does not keep His commands is a liar. He warns against loving the world and its desires, which are passing away. He addresses children, young people, and fathers, warning about antichrists who deny the Father and Son.

John marvels at the Father's lavish love that we should be called children of God. He contrasts the children of God with the children of the devil—those who practice sin versus those who practice righteousness. He calls for practical love: let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

John declares that whoever is born of God overcomes the world, and the victory is our faith. He gives assurance of eternal life: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life. He closes urging confidence in prayer according to God's will and a warning to keep from idols.

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.

Solomon builds the temple over seven years according to precise specifications. God promises that if Solomon walks in His statutes, He will dwell among Israel and never forsake them. The inner sanctuary is overlaid with pure gold.

God appears to Solomon a second time, promising blessing for obedience and warning of judgment for apostasy. Solomon's building projects, trade activities, and the cities he builds are described.

Solomon's many foreign wives turn his heart to other gods in his old age. God raises adversaries against him and tells Solomon the kingdom will be torn from his son, leaving only one tribe for David's sake. Solomon dies after 40 years.

A man of God from Judah prophesies against Jeroboam's altar at Bethel. He obeys God's command not to eat there, but is deceived by an old prophet and killed by a lion for disobeying. Jeroboam continues in sin regardless.

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.

The prophet Elijah appears and declares a drought upon Israel. God sends him to the brook Cherith where ravens feed him, then to a widow at Zarephath whose flour and oil never run out. Elijah raises the widow's dead son back to life.

Ben-hadad of Aram besieges Samaria twice, but God gives Ahab victory both times to demonstrate His power. However, Ahab foolishly spares Ben-hadad and makes a treaty. A prophet declares that Ahab will pay for releasing Ben-hadad.

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.

Believers are living stones being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood. They are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Peter urges them to live honorably among pagans. He holds up Christ as the example of suffering unjustly—when He suffered, He did not retaliate but entrusted Himself to God.

Peter instructs wives and husbands on mutual respect in marriage. He urges all believers to be compassionate, humble, and ready to give an answer for the hope within them, with gentleness and respect. Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God.

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.

Samuel calls Israel to repentance, and they put away their foreign gods. At Mizpah, God thunders against the Philistines and gives Israel victory. Samuel sets up a stone called Ebenezer, saying thus far the Lord has helped us.

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.

Samuel delivers his farewell address as judge, challenging Israel to testify against his integrity. He recounts God's faithfulness, warns against disobedience, and calls thunder and rain as a sign. He promises to continue praying for them.

Saul makes a rash decision to offer sacrifices himself rather than wait for Samuel, violating God's command. Samuel declares that Saul's kingdom will not endure and that God has sought a man after His own heart.

God commands Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, but Saul spares King Agag and the best livestock. Samuel confronts Saul, declaring that obedience is better than sacrifice. God rejects Saul as king over Israel.

God sends Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the next king. God tells Samuel that He looks at the heart, not outward appearance. David is brought to Saul's court as a musician to soothe the king's troubled spirit.

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.

Facing a massive Philistine army, Saul is terrified and gets no answer from God. In desperation, he visits the medium at Endor, who conjures Samuel's spirit. Samuel delivers a final message: Saul and his sons will die tomorrow.

Paul urges the Thessalonians to live holy lives and love each other more and more. He addresses their concern about believers who have died, assuring them that the dead in Christ will rise first. Then those alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord. Encourage one another with these words.

Paul warns of future apostasy and instructs Timothy to be nourished on sound doctrine. He tells the young pastor not to let anyone look down on his youth but to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. He urges Timothy to give himself wholly to his ministry and watch his life and doctrine closely.

Solomon begins building the temple on Mount Moriah, the site where David bought the threshing floor. The dimensions, the Most Holy Place, the two cherubim, and the elaborate decorations of gold are described in detail.

The temple furnishings are created: the bronze altar, the bronze sea on twelve oxen, ten basins, ten golden lampstands, ten tables, and the courtyard. Huram the craftsman completes the bronze work.

Solomon's building projects, trade routes, and administrative organization are described. He establishes the regular pattern of sacrifices and the rotation of priests and Levites for temple service as David had ordained.

God prevents Rehoboam from attacking the northern tribes through the prophet Shemaiah. Rehoboam fortifies Judah's cities, and faithful priests and Levites from the north relocate to Judah, strengthening the southern kingdom for three years.

Rehoboam and Judah abandon God's law, and Shishak of Egypt invades with a massive army. When the leaders humble themselves, God grants partial deliverance but allows Egypt to plunder the temple treasures. Rehoboam's 17-year reign is summarized as one that did evil.

Asa enjoys peace and prosperity because he seeks God. When a million-man Ethiopian army attacks, Asa prays: Lord, there is no one besides You to help. God defeats the Ethiopians, and Asa plunders their cities.

The prophet Azariah encourages Asa: The Lord is with you while you are with Him. Asa removes idols, repairs the altar, and leads a national covenant renewal ceremony. People from the northern tribes join Judah because they see God is with them.

Jehoshaphat strengthens Judah and seeks God. He sends officials and Levites throughout the land to teach the Book of the Law. The fear of the Lord falls on surrounding nations, and Jehoshaphat receives tribute. His army numbers over a million men.

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.

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.

Jotham is a faithful king who builds and conquers but does not enter the temple as his father did. He grows powerful because he orders his ways before the Lord. His reign is brief but positive.

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.

The people destroy idolatrous sites throughout Judah and even into the northern territory. Hezekiah organizes the priestly and Levitical divisions and establishes generous provision for temple workers through tithes and offerings.

At age 16, Josiah begins seeking God. At 20 he purges idolatry from Judah. During temple repairs, the Book of the Law is found. When it is read to Josiah, he tears his robes and leads the nation in covenant renewal. The prophetess Huldah confirms coming judgment but promises it will not come in Josiah's lifetime.

Josiah celebrates the greatest Passover since Samuel's time, with meticulous organization of priests, Levites, and offerings. Tragically, Josiah disregards a warning from Pharaoh Necho (who claims to speak for God) and is killed in battle at Megiddo. All Judah mourns, including Jeremiah.

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.

John writes to the chosen lady and her children, urging them to walk in truth and love. He warns against deceivers who deny Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. He instructs believers not to welcome or support false teachers who do not bring the teaching of Christ.

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.

Naaman, commander of the Aramean army, has leprosy. An Israelite servant girl suggests he visit Elisha. Naaman is initially offended when told to wash seven times in the Jordan but obeys and is healed. Elisha's servant Gehazi secretly takes payment and is cursed with leprosy.

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.

King Joash (Jehoash) does right while guided by Jehoiada the priest. He organizes temple repairs using a collection chest. After Jehoiada's death, Joash declines spiritually and is eventually assassinated by his own officials.

Elisha is on his deathbed and tells King Joash of Israel to strike the ground with arrows. Joash strikes only three times, and Elisha declares he should have struck more for complete victory over Aram. Even after death, Elisha's bones raise a dead man to life.

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.

King Ahaz of Judah embraces idolatry, even sacrificing his own son. When threatened by Aram and Israel, he appeals to Assyria for help rather than God. He copies a pagan altar design from Damascus and modifies the temple.

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.

Hezekiah becomes one of Judah's greatest kings, removing high places and destroying the bronze serpent. He rebels against Assyria. Sennacherib invades Judah, and his official Rabshakeh mocks God and tries to demoralize Jerusalem.

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.

Josiah leads the most thorough religious reform in Judah's history, destroying idolatrous sites throughout the land and reinstating the Passover. He fulfills the 300-year-old prophecy from 1 Kings 13 by desecrating the altar at Bethel. Despite his faithfulness, Josiah is killed in battle at Megiddo.

David is anointed king of Judah at Hebron. Meanwhile, Abner installs Saul's son Ish-bosheth as king over the northern tribes. Civil war begins between the house of David and the house of Saul, with David growing stronger.

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.

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!

Paul corrects a false alarm that the day of the Lord has already come. He describes the man of lawlessness who must first be revealed, setting himself up as God. He urges the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold to the teachings passed to them.

Paul asks for prayer that the gospel may spread rapidly. He warns against idleness, commanding that anyone unwilling to work should not eat. He models diligent labor and instructs the community to gently correct the disorderly without treating them as enemies.

Paul urges Timothy to be strong in grace and to entrust the faith to reliable people who can teach others. He uses the metaphors of soldier, athlete, and farmer to describe disciplined ministry. He instructs him to avoid foolish arguments and be a worker who correctly handles the word of truth.

Paul warns of terrible times in the last days—people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, and treacherous. He urges Timothy to continue in Scripture, which is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, equipping the person of God for every good work.

Saul, breathing threats against Christians, encounters the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus in a blinding light. He is converted, baptized, and begins preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. Ananias obeys God to minister to Saul. Peter raises Tabitha from the dead in Joppa.

Peter receives a vision of unclean animals and the command to not call anything impure that God has made clean. He is sent to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and the Holy Spirit falls on the Gentiles, demonstrating that God shows no favoritism—the gospel is for all people.

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.

Since believers have been raised with Christ, Paul urges them to set their minds on things above. He instructs them to put to death earthly sins and put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord—for it is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Daniel and three friends are taken to Babylon's court for elite training. Daniel resolves not to defile himself with the king's food, and God gives them favor. After testing, they are ten times wiser than all the king's magicians — faithfulness in exile is rewarded.

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.

Moses begins his farewell speeches to Israel on the plains of Moab. He recounts the journey from Sinai to Kadesh Barnea, the appointment of leaders following Jethro's advice, and the disastrous decision to refuse entering Canaan after the spies' report. He reminds the new generation of the consequences of their parents' unbelief.

Moses recounts the wilderness journey, highlighting how God directed Israel to avoid conflict with Esau's descendants in Seir, Moab, and Ammon because God had given those lands to them. Israel then defeats King Sihon of Heshbon when he refuses to let them pass peacefully through his territory.

Moses recounts the defeat of King Og of Bashan, a giant whose iron bed was thirteen feet long. The Transjordan territory is distributed to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Moses pleads with God to let him enter the Promised Land, but God firmly refuses, telling him to look from Mount Pisgah instead.

Moses urges the new generation to obey God's commands without adding to or subtracting from them. He reminds them of the Baal Peor incident and warns against idolatry, since God is a consuming fire and jealous God. He speaks of God's uniqueness — no other nation has a god so near to them — and prophetically warns of future exile and restoration.

Moses restates the Ten Commandments to the new generation, emphasising that the covenant was made not just with their parents but with them who are alive today. He recounts how the people were terrified by God's voice from the fire and asked Moses to be their mediator. God approves their reverent fear.

Moses delivers the Shema — the foundational confession of Israel's faith: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. He commands them to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength, and to teach God's words diligently to their children. He warns that prosperity in the Promised Land must not lead to forgetting God.

God commands Israel to completely destroy the seven Canaanite nations and make no treaties or intermarriages with them. He explains His choice of Israel is not because of their size but because of His love and His oath to the patriarchs. God promises to drive out the nations gradually and bless Israel with health, fertility, and victory.

Moses reminds Israel that God humbled and tested them in the wilderness for forty years to teach them dependence on Him. He taught them that man does not live by bread alone but by every word from God's mouth. Moses warns that when they prosper in the land, they must not forget God or claim their own power made them wealthy.

Moses clarifies that Israel is not receiving the land because of their righteousness — they are a stubborn people. He recounts the golden calf incident in detail, reminding them how close God came to destroying the nation and how Moses interceded for forty days and nights to avert their destruction.

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 urges Israel to love God and keep His commands, recalling the mighty acts they witnessed — the plagues, the Red Sea crossing, and the swallowing of Dathan and Abiram. He presents the Promised Land as dependent on God's rain rather than irrigation, requiring ongoing trust. He sets before them blessing and curse.

Moses commands Israel to worship God only at the place He will choose, destroying all Canaanite worship sites — their altars, sacred stones, and Asherah poles. They must not worship God the way the Canaanites worship their gods. Eating meat is permitted anywhere, but sacrifices must be brought only to God's chosen place.

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.

God reaffirms the dietary laws distinguishing clean and unclean animals, largely repeating Leviticus 11. Israel is called a holy people and must not adopt pagan mourning practices. The chapter establishes tithing laws — a tenth of produce each year — and a special third-year tithe for Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows.

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.

The Levites' inheritance is described as the Lord Himself and the offerings. Occult practices — divination, sorcery, mediums, spiritists — are strictly forbidden as detestable to God. Moses prophesies that God will raise up a prophet like himself from among the people, whom Israel must obey — a key Messianic prophecy.

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 prescribes two ceremonies for the Promised Land: offering firstfruits with a confession recounting God's rescue from Egypt, and presenting the third-year tithe with a declaration of obedience. The chapter concludes with the covenant declaration — God claims Israel as His treasured people and Israel claims Him as their God.

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 presents the fullest statement of covenant blessings and curses. Blessings for obedience include prosperity, military victory, agricultural abundance, and honour among nations. Curses for disobedience are far more extensive — disease, drought, defeat, siege, exile, and scattering among the nations. The chapter prophetically describes events that would unfold centuries later.

Moses renews the covenant with the entire assembly — including future generations — reminding them that despite witnessing God's mighty acts, their hearts have not fully understood. He warns that secret idolatry will bring ruin and that the devastation of the land will be a witness to all nations. The secret things belong to God, but revealed things belong to Israel to obey.

Moses prophesies that after exile and judgment, if Israel returns to God wholeheartedly, He will restore their fortunes, gather them from all nations, and circumcise their hearts to love Him. He sets before them the ultimate choice: life and death, blessing and curse. He pleads with them to choose life by loving and obeying God.

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.

Warnings about hasty words before God—let your words be few. Better not to vow than to vow and not fulfil. The lover of money never has enough. Wealth brings anxiety. The Teacher affirms that enjoyment of God's gifts is itself a gift.

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.

Paul calls believers to imitate God as beloved children, walking in love as Christ loved us. He contrasts the darkness of sin with living as children of light. He describes marriage as a mystery reflecting Christ and the church, where husbands love sacrificially and the church responds with reverence.

Paul instructs children to honor parents and fathers not to exasperate children. He addresses slaves and masters with mutual respect. He closes with the armor of God: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit—the word of God.

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.

Moses makes excuses about his inadequacy, and God gives him three signs: a staff turning into a snake, his hand becoming leprous and restored, and water turning to blood. God appoints Aaron as Moses's spokesman. Moses returns to Egypt, and on the way God nearly kills him until Zipporah circumcises their son.

Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh and demand that he let Israel go to worship in the wilderness. Pharaoh refuses and increases the Israelites's workload by withholding straw for brickmaking. The Israelite foremen blame Moses and Aaron, and Moses cries out to God in frustration.

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.

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 institutes the Passover: each family must sacrifice a lamb, put its blood on the doorposts, and eat the meal in readiness to depart. At midnight, God strikes down all the firstborn in Egypt, and Pharaoh finally releases Israel. The Israelites leave Egypt after 430 years of sojourning.

God commands the consecration of every firstborn and establishes the Feast of Unleavened Bread as an annual memorial of the exodus. God does not lead Israel by the shorter coastal route to avoid war but guides them through the wilderness. He leads them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

The Israelites grumble about food in the wilderness, and God provides manna from heaven each morning and quail in the evening. God instructs them to gather only what they need daily, with a double portion on the sixth day for the Sabbath. Some disobey, and the leftover manna breeds worms.

Israel arrives at Mount Sinai and God proposes a covenant: if they obey, they will be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. The people agree. God descends on Sinai in fire, smoke, thunder, and earthquake, warning that no one may touch the mountain. Moses alone is summoned to the top.

God speaks the Ten Commandments directly to the people from Mount Sinai, covering duties toward God (no other gods, no idols, no taking God's name in vain, keep the Sabbath) and toward others (honour parents, no murder, adultery, theft, false witness, or coveting). The people tremble and ask Moses to speak to them instead of God.

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.

Moses reads the Book of the Covenant to all Israel and they respond saying they will obey everything. He sprinkles blood on the people to ratify the covenant. Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders ascend the mountain and see God, then Moses goes up alone for forty days and nights.

God instructs Moses to collect offerings from the people for building the tabernacle. He gives detailed specifications for the Ark of the Covenant (overlaid with gold, with two cherubim), the table of showbread, and the golden lampstand. Each item is to be made exactly according to the pattern shown on the mountain.

God provides detailed instructions for constructing the tabernacle itself — its curtains of fine linen with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, its coverings of goat hair and animal skins, its acacia wood frames, and the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

God gives instructions for the bronze altar of burnt offering and the courtyard of the tabernacle, enclosed by fine linen curtains hung on bronze pillars. He also commands that pure olive oil be used to keep the lampstand burning continually in the tabernacle.

God commands that Aaron and his sons be set apart as priests. He details the priestly garments: the ephod with two onyx stones, the breastpiece with twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes, the blue robe with bells and pomegranates, the turban with a gold plate reading Holy to the LORD.

God prescribes the elaborate ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, including washing, clothing, anointing with oil, and sacrificing a bull and two rams. The blood is applied to the right ear, thumb, and toe of the priests. Daily burnt offerings are established to consecrate the altar and God's dwelling among His people.

God gives instructions for the altar of incense placed before the veil, and the annual atonement made on its horns. He institutes the half-shekel census offering as ransom money. Recipes are given for the sacred anointing oil and holy incense, both reserved exclusively for tabernacle use.

God names Bezalel and Oholiab as Spirit-filled craftsmen to build the tabernacle and all its furnishings. He reaffirms the Sabbath as a perpetual sign of the covenant between Himself and Israel. God finishes speaking to Moses on Sinai and gives him the two stone tablets written by His own finger.

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.

God tells Moses to cut two new stone tablets and come back up Sinai. God passes before Moses, proclaiming His name: The LORD, compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. God renews the covenant with Israel and gives further laws. When Moses descends, his face shines so brightly he must wear a veil.

Moses assembles Israel and reiterates the Sabbath command. He calls for voluntary offerings of materials for the tabernacle, and the people respond with overwhelming generosity. Bezalel and Oholiab are confirmed as lead craftsmen, filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom and skill.

The craftsmen receive so many offerings that Moses has to issue a command to stop giving — the people have brought more than enough. The construction of the tabernacle begins with the linen curtains, goat hair coverings, frames, crossbars, and the inner veil separating the holy places.

Bezalel crafts the Ark of the Covenant overlaid with pure gold, with its mercy seat and two cherubim. He also makes the table of showbread, the golden lampstand with its seven branches, and the altar of incense — all according to God's exact specifications given on the mountain.

The bronze altar and bronze basin are constructed for the tabernacle courtyard. The courtyard is enclosed with fine linen hangings on bronze pillars. A detailed inventory records all the gold, silver, and bronze used — nearly a ton of gold, over three tons of silver, and two and a half tons of bronze.

The priestly garments are completed exactly as God commanded Moses, including the ephod, breastpiece with twelve stones, robe of blue, tunics, turban, and the gold plate inscribed Holy to the LORD. The people bring all the completed work to Moses, and he inspects everything and blesses them.

God commands Moses to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month. Moses assembles everything, anoints it with oil, and consecrates Aaron and his sons. When Moses finishes, the cloud of God's glory fills the tabernacle so powerfully that even Moses cannot enter. The glory cloud guides Israel throughout their journeys.

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.

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.

Ezekiel acts out exile by packing his bags and digging through a wall at night. He eats bread with trembling and drinks water with anxiety. These sign-acts are for the rebellious house who keep saying the visions are for the distant future — God insists: none of My words will be delayed.

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.

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.

On the very day Babylon besieges Jerusalem, God tells Ezekiel to boil a pot symbolizing the city's bloody corruption. Then God takes Ezekiel's wife — the delight of his eyes — and commands him not to mourn publicly, making his grief a sign to the exiles.

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.

The east gate is shut because the Lord entered through it — no one else may use it. Rules for priests are established: the Zadokite line alone will minister before God. Levites who went astray are demoted but not rejected — a picture of grace with consequences.

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 altar is rebuilt first, and sacrifices resume before the temple foundation is even laid. When the foundation is finally completed, the people celebrate with praise — but older men who remember Solomon's temple weep at the comparison.

Encouraged by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, Zerubbabel and Jeshua restart the temple construction. The regional governor questions their authority and writes to King Darius for verification of Cyrus's original decree.

King Darius finds Cyrus's decree and orders the temple rebuilding to continue with full support and funding. The temple is completed and dedicated with joy. The returned exiles celebrate Passover, and God turns the heart of the Assyrian king to help them.

Decades later, Ezra the scribe leads a second group of returnees from Babylon. He is described as a skilled scribe devoted to studying, practicing, and teaching God's Law. King Artaxerxes gives him a generous letter of support and authority.

The people respond to Ezra's grief with repentance and agree to put away their foreign wives. A process is established to investigate cases over three months. Those who married foreign women are listed, and the marriages are dissolved.

God forms Adam from dust and breathes life into him, placing him in the Garden of Eden to tend it. God creates Eve from Adam's rib as a suitable helper, establishing the first marriage and the one-flesh union.

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.

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.

The floodwaters recede and the ark comes to rest on the mountains of Ararat. Noah sends out a raven and then a dove to test the waters. When the earth is dry, God tells Noah to leave the ark, and Noah builds an altar and offers sacrifices to the Lord.

God calls Abram to leave his homeland and go to a land He will show him, promising to make him a great nation and bless all families of the earth through him. Abram obeys and travels to Canaan, then goes to Egypt during a famine where he deceives Pharaoh about Sarai.

God establishes the covenant of circumcision with Abram, renaming him Abraham and Sarai as Sarah. God promises that Sarah will bear a son named Isaac, through whom the covenant will continue. Abraham circumcises all the males of his household as God commanded.

Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, fulfilling God's promise. Sarah insists that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away, and God assures Abraham that Ishmael will also become a nation. Abraham makes a treaty with Abimelech at Beersheba.

God tests Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. Abraham obeys in faith, binding Isaac on the altar, but the angel of the Lord stops him at the last moment and provides a ram as a substitute. God reaffirms His covenant blessings because of Abraham's obedience.

Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his relatives in Mesopotamia. The servant prays for God's guidance and meets Rebekah at a well. Rebekah agrees to return and marry Isaac, demonstrating God's faithful providence.

A famine sends Isaac to Gerar where God reaffirms the Abrahamic covenant with him. Isaac repeats his father's deception by calling Rebekah his sister. Despite opposition, Isaac prospers greatly and makes a peace treaty with Abimelech at Beersheba.

God tells Jacob to return to the land of his fathers. Jacob secretly flees from Laban with his family and flocks, and Rachel steals her father's household idols. Laban pursues and confronts Jacob, but God warns Laban in a dream not to harm him, and they make a covenant at Mizpah.

God commands Jacob to return to Bethel and build an altar. Jacob's household puts away their foreign gods, and God reaffirms the name Israel and the covenant promises. Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin near Bethlehem, and Isaac dies at age 180.

Joseph serves in the house of Potiphar in Egypt and prospers because the Lord is with him. Potiphar's wife repeatedly tries to seduce Joseph, but he refuses, saying he will not sin against God. She falsely accuses him and Joseph is thrown into prison, where the Lord continues to bless him.

The returned exiles have built their own paneled houses while God's temple lies in ruins. Haggai challenges them: consider your ways — you eat but never have enough, earn wages only to put them in a purse with holes. They obey and begin rebuilding the temple.

The author compares Jesus to Moses, showing that Jesus is worthy of greater glory—as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. Moses was faithful as a servant; Christ is faithful as a Son over God's house. The chapter warns against hardening hearts as Israel did in the wilderness.

A Sabbath rest remains for the people of God. The author urges diligence to enter that rest, not falling through the same pattern of unbelief as Israel. The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. Since we have a great high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence.

Jesus is designated by God as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek—not the Levitical order. During His earthly life, He offered prayers with loud cries and tears. Though He was a Son, He learned obedience through suffering. The author rebukes readers for spiritual immaturity, still needing milk instead of solid food.

The great faith chapter: now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. The author surveys a hall of heroes—Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab, David—all commended for their faith. They did not receive what was promised but saw it from afar and welcomed it. They were looking for a better country.

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. God disciplines those He loves as a father. Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

Final exhortations: keep loving one another, show hospitality to strangers, remember prisoners, honor marriage. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Let us go to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. May the God of peace equip you with everything good for doing His will, working in us what is pleasing to Him through Jesus Christ.

God commands Hosea to marry Gomer, a promiscuous woman, as a living parable of God's relationship with unfaithful Israel. Their children receive prophetic names: Jezreel (God scatters), Lo-Ruhamah (no mercy), and Lo-Ammi (not my people).

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.

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 sows the wind and reaps the whirlwind. They set up kings without God's consent, make idols from gold and silver, and their golden calf of Samaria will be destroyed. Israel has forgotten its Maker and built temples to itself.

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.

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 commands Isaiah to walk naked and barefoot for three years as a prophetic sign against Egypt and Cush. This dramatic acted prophecy warns Judah not to trust in Egyptian military alliances for deliverance.

Woe to those who trust Egypt rather than God. Judah's alliance with Egypt is futile — like trusting a cracked wall. Yet God longs to be gracious, waiting to show compassion, and promises to guide His people with a word behind them.

God challenges stubborn Israel: He declared things beforehand so they couldn't credit idols. He refines them in affliction's furnace and calls them to leave Babylon. Yet there is no peace for the wicked.

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.

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.

James addresses trials as opportunities for growth—consider it pure joy when you face trials because the testing of faith produces perseverance. He urges believers to ask God for wisdom without doubting. Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights. Be doers of the word, not hearers only.

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 about the power of the tongue—a small member that sets the course of life on fire. No human can tame the tongue, which can both bless God and curse people made in His image. He contrasts earthly wisdom, which is self-seeking, with heavenly wisdom, which is pure, peace-loving, and full of mercy.

James diagnoses the root of conflict: desires that war within. He calls worldliness spiritual adultery and urges believers to submit to God and resist the devil, who will then flee. He warns against judging others and presuming on the future—life is a mist that appears briefly and vanishes.

After Joshua's death, Judah leads the conquest of remaining Canaanite territories with mixed success. Several tribes fail to fully drive out the inhabitants, setting the stage for future compromise and idolatry.

The angel of the Lord rebukes Israel for making treaties with Canaanites. After Joshua's generation dies, a new generation abandons God. The cyclical pattern of Judges is introduced: sin, oppression, crying out, and deliverance.

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.

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.

God reduces Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men so Israel cannot boast in its own strength. Using trumpets, torches, and jars, the 300 rout the vast Midianite camp in a divinely orchestrated night attack.

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.

A man named Micah sets up a private shrine with an idol and hires a wandering Levite as his personal priest. This episode illustrates the spiritual chaos when there was no king in Israel and everyone did what was right in their own eyes.

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.

God recalls Israel's early devotion like a bride, then charges them with a double sin: forsaking Him, the fountain of living water, and digging broken cisterns that hold nothing. Israel has exchanged its glory for worthless idols.

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.

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.

God uses a linen belt and wineskins as object lessons. The belt buried by the Euphrates and ruined symbolizes how God will ruin Judah's pride. The chapter warns of coming exile and laments whether Ethiopia can change its skin or a leopard its spots.

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?

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.

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.

Jeremiah wears an ox yoke as a prophetic sign: all nations should submit to Nebuchadnezzar because God has given him authority. Resisting Babylon means resisting God's plan. False prophets who promise a quick end to exile are lying.

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.

The Rechabites obey their ancestor's command to never drink wine, even when Jeremiah offers it to them. God uses their faithfulness as a shaming contrast: the Rechabites obey a human father, but Israel won't obey their heavenly Father.

God tells Jeremiah to write his prophecies on a scroll. When it's read to King Jehoiakim, he cuts it apart and burns it section by section. God commands a new scroll with all the original words plus more — the word of God cannot be destroyed.

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.

The survivors ask Jeremiah to pray for guidance: should they stay or flee to Egypt? After ten days, God's answer comes clearly — stay in the land and He will protect them. If they go to Egypt, the sword and famine they fear will follow them there.

Despite God's clear command to stay, the people accuse Jeremiah of lying and force him to Egypt with them. In Egypt, Jeremiah buries stones at Pharaoh's palace entrance, prophesying Nebuchadnezzar will set his throne on that very spot.

In Egypt, Jeremiah confronts the refugees who are burning incense to the Queen of Heaven. They defiantly declare they will continue because things were better when they worshiped idols. Jeremiah pronounces God's final judgment on these stubborn idolaters.

At the Last Supper, Jesus washes His disciples' feet as an act of radical humility and servanthood. He predicts Judas' betrayal and gives the new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. By this all people will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Jesus teaches the allegory of the vine and branches—apart from Him, we can do nothing. He calls His followers friends and commands them to love one another, declaring that the greatest love is to lay down one's life for friends. He warns them the world will hate them as it hated Him.

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.

God calls Jonah to preach against Nineveh, but Jonah flees the opposite direction to Tarshish. A violent storm strikes the ship, and the pagan sailors prove more God-fearing than the prophet. Jonah is thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish.

Jonah preaches a one-line sermon — Nineveh will be overthrown in forty days — and the entire city repents, from king to cattle. God relents from the planned destruction. The greatest mass repentance in Scripture comes from the most unlikely audience.

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.

The Israelites cross the Jordan River on dry ground as the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant into the water. God miraculously stops the river's flow, demonstrating His power to the new generation.

Twelve stones are set up at Gilgal as a memorial of the Jordan crossing. Joshua explains the stones will serve as a testimony to future generations about God's mighty works.

The Israelites are circumcised at Gilgal, observe Passover, and the manna ceases as they eat the produce of Canaan. Joshua encounters the commander of the Lord's army near Jericho.

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 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.

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.

The Gibeonites deceive Israel into making a peace treaty by pretending to be from a distant land. Though tricked, Israel honors the oath, and the Gibeonites become servants.

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 descendants of Joseph — Ephraim — is described. The Ephraimites fail to drive out the Canaanites from Gezer, who remain as forced laborers among them.

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.

The tabernacle is set up at Shiloh and Joshua rebukes seven tribes for delaying to claim their inheritance. He sends surveyors to map the remaining land and distributes it by lot. Benjamin's territory is described.

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.

The Levites receive 48 cities with pasturelands distributed throughout the tribal territories as God commanded through Moses. The chapter concludes affirming that God fulfilled every promise He made to Israel.

The eastern tribes return home after helping conquer Canaan. They build a large altar by the Jordan, alarming the western tribes who fear idolatry. The eastern tribes explain it is a memorial, not for sacrifice, and conflict is averted.

Joshua, now old, gathers Israel's leaders for a farewell address. He reminds them of God's faithfulness in battle and warns them that intermarriage and idolatry with remaining nations will lead to their downfall.

Joshua recounts God's saving acts from Abraham to the conquest and challenges Israel to choose whom they will serve. The people renew their covenant with God. Joshua dies at 110 and is buried at Timnath-serah.

God speaks from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering, which can be a bull, sheep, goat, or bird. The animal must be without defect, and the worshipper lays hands on it as a symbol of identification. The entire animal is burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

The grain offering is described, made of fine flour with oil and frankincense. It can be baked, cooked on a griddle, or presented raw. No leaven or honey is to be included, but salt must be added to every grain offering as a sign of the covenant.

The peace offering or fellowship offering is detailed. The worshipper may bring cattle, sheep, or goats, and shares the meal with God and the priests. The fat and blood belong to God and must never be eaten. This offering celebrates fellowship between God and His people.

The sin offering addresses unintentional sins by priests, the whole community, leaders, and common people. Different animals are required depending on who sinned — a bull for the priest, a male goat for a leader, a female goat or lamb for ordinary people. Blood is sprinkled to make atonement.

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.

Instructions continue for the guilt offering, peace offering, and thanksgiving offering. A warning is given that anyone who eats fat or blood will be cut off from the people. The chapter concludes with a summary of the entire sacrificial system given at Sinai.

Moses consecrates Aaron and his sons as priests in a public ceremony. He washes them, dresses Aaron in the priestly garments, anoints the tabernacle and altar with oil, and offers sacrifices for their ordination. The priests remain at the tabernacle entrance for seven days to complete their consecration.

On the eighth day after ordination, Aaron begins his priestly ministry by offering sin and burnt offerings for himself and the people. When he finishes, the glory of the Lord appears to all the people and fire comes out from God's presence to consume the offerings. The people shout for joy and fall on their faces.

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 gives detailed dietary laws distinguishing clean and unclean animals. Land animals must chew cud and have split hooves; water creatures must have fins and scales. Various birds, insects, and creatures are prohibited. The purpose is to set Israel apart as holy to the Lord.

Laws address a woman's ceremonial uncleanness after childbirth — seven days for a boy, fourteen for a girl, followed by further purification periods. After the purification period, she brings a burnt offering and a sin offering to the priest to be declared clean.

Detailed instructions help priests diagnose various skin diseases and determine ceremonial uncleanness. Symptoms like swelling, rashes, and discolouration are evaluated through quarantine periods. Contaminated garments must also be inspected and may need to be destroyed. The affected person lives outside the camp crying unclean.

The cleansing ritual for someone healed of a skin disease involves two birds (one killed, one released), cedar wood, scarlet yarn, hyssop, washing, shaving, and sacrifices over eight days. Similar procedures address contamination in houses, involving inspection, quarantine, and possible demolition.

Laws address bodily discharges that cause ceremonial uncleanness for both men and women, including chronic discharges, seminal emissions, and menstruation. Detailed purification procedures are prescribed, including washing, waiting periods, and offerings. These laws maintained the purity of the camp where God dwelt.

God prescribes the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the most sacred day in the Israelite calendar. The high priest enters the Most Holy Place once a year with blood to make atonement for the nation. Two goats are used — one sacrificed and one sent into the wilderness as the scapegoat bearing the people's sins.

God centralises all sacrifices at the tabernacle to prevent idolatrous worship at other locations. The chapter strictly prohibits eating blood, explaining that the life of the creature is in the blood and it is given for atonement on the altar. Any animal killed for food must be properly drained of blood.

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.

Special holiness requirements are given for priests — restrictions on mourning practices, marriage, and physical disqualifications for service. The high priest has even stricter requirements: he must not uncover his head, tear his garments, or go near any dead body, even his parents.

Further regulations ensure that priests serve in a state of ceremonial cleanness. Unclean priests may not eat the sacred offerings until purified. Rules govern who in a priest's household may eat holy food. Sacrificial animals must be without defect — no blind, injured, or diseased animals are acceptable to God.

God establishes Israel's seven annual festivals: Sabbath, Passover and Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles. Each festival commemorates God's acts and foreshadows His future plans for redemption.

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.

The final chapter addresses vows and dedications to God — how to value persons, animals, houses, and fields dedicated to the Lord. Redemption prices are set for those who wish to buy back what was vowed. The tithe of grain, fruit, and livestock is declared holy to the Lord and not to be substituted.

Jesus calls His first disciples after a miraculous catch of fish, telling Simon Peter he will now catch people. He cleanses a leper, heals a paralytic lowered through the roof, and calls Levi the tax collector. He teaches that new wine must go into new wineskins.

Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples and pronounces woes on unrepentant cities. He rejoices that the Father reveals truth to the humble. He tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, defining neighbor love in radical terms. He visits Martha and Mary, teaching that sitting at His feet is the one thing needed.

God declares His love for Israel but they question it: How have you loved us? God contrasts Jacob (loved) with Esau (Edom, rejected). The priests dishonor God by offering blind and lame sacrifices — try giving that to your governor, God challenges.

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.

The genealogy of Jesus Christ traces His lineage from Abraham through David to Joseph. The angel appears to Joseph in a dream, revealing Mary's conception by the Holy Spirit and the name Immanuel—God with us.

John the Baptist appears in the wilderness preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan River. Jesus comes to be baptized, and the heavens open with the Spirit descending like a dove and the Father's voice declaring Him beloved Son.

Jesus is led into the wilderness where He is tempted three times by the devil, overcoming each temptation with Scripture. He begins His public ministry in Galilee, calling His first disciples and healing throughout the region.

Jesus delivers the opening of the Sermon on the Mount, beginning with the Beatitudes that describe the blessed life. He teaches about being salt and light, fulfillment of the Law, and radical standards for righteousness including loving enemies.

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 confronts the Pharisees about elevating human tradition above God's commands. He teaches that what defiles a person comes from the heart, not from external ritual. He heals the Canaanite woman's daughter and feeds four thousand.

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 tells the parable of the wedding banquet and skillfully answers trick questions about paying taxes to Caesar, the resurrection, and the greatest commandment. He identifies loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself as the two commands on which all the Law hangs.

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.

The resurrection: women discover the empty tomb, and an angel announces that Jesus has risen. Jesus appears to the women and then to the disciples in Galilee. He delivers the Great Commission, commanding them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching, with the promise that He is with them always to the end of the age.

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.

Jesus heals on the Sabbath and appoints the twelve apostles. The religious leaders accuse Him of being possessed by Beelzebul, and He warns about blaspheming the Holy Spirit. He redefines family as those who do God's will.

Jesus confronts the Pharisees about their tradition-based religion, declaring all foods clean and teaching that defilement comes from within the heart. He heals a Syrophoenician woman's daughter and a deaf man, showing His compassion crosses all boundaries.

A detailed account of the wall-building project lists each family and section. Everyone participates — priests, goldsmiths, perfume-makers, officials, and ordinary families — each rebuilding the section nearest their home.

Ezra reads the Book of the Law aloud to all the people from dawn to midday. The Levites help the people understand. The people weep when they hear the Law, but Nehemiah and Ezra tell them: Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. They celebrate the Feast of Booths.

The leaders, Levites, and people sign a binding covenant committing to keep God's Law. They specifically pledge not to intermarry with foreigners, to observe the Sabbath, to let the land rest every seventh year, and to support the temple with tithes and offerings.

To repopulate Jerusalem, lots are cast and one in ten people from the surrounding towns is chosen to live in the holy city. Others volunteer willingly. The leaders, priests, Levites, and gatekeepers who settle in Jerusalem are listed.

After returning from a trip to Persia, Nehemiah discovers several abuses: Tobiah has been given a room in the temple, Levites have been neglected, the Sabbath is being violated, and intermarriage has resumed. Nehemiah vigorously corrects each problem, famously chasing people and pulling out their hair.

God commands Moses to take a census of all men aged twenty and above who can serve in Israel's army. Each tribe is counted with the exception of Levi, who are set apart for tabernacle service. The total military count is 603,550 men.

God arranges the twelve tribes around the tabernacle in a specific camp formation, with three tribes on each side. Judah leads the eastern camp, Reuben the south, Ephraim the west, and Dan the north. The tabernacle and Levites are at the centre. This arrangement is maintained during travel.

The Levites are numbered separately and assigned to serve at the tabernacle under Aaron's oversight. The three Levite clans — Gershon, Kohath, and Merari — each receive specific responsibilities for transporting tabernacle components. God takes the Levites as His own in place of every firstborn in Israel.

A further census counts Levite men aged thirty to fifty who will do the work of transporting the tabernacle. The Kohathites carry the sacred objects (but must not touch or look at them directly), the Gershonites handle curtains and coverings, and the Merarites manage the structural frames and pillars.

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.

God establishes the Nazirite vow — a voluntary consecration involving abstaining from wine and grape products, not cutting hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies. The chapter concludes with the famous Aaronic blessing: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you.

Over twelve days, each tribal leader brings identical dedication offerings for the altar — silver plates and bowls, gold dishes of incense, and animals for various offerings. Though the gifts are the same, God records each one individually, honouring every tribe's contribution. Moses hears God's voice from above the mercy seat.

God instructs Moses on setting up the lampstand so its seven lamps illuminate the area in front of it. The Levites are ceremonially cleansed, consecrated with laying on of hands by the Israelites, and presented as a wave offering before the Lord. Service age limits are set from twenty-five to fifty.

Israel celebrates the Passover at Sinai one year after the exodus. A provision allows those who are unclean or traveling to observe Passover one month later. God's cloud over the tabernacle guides Israel's movements — when it lifts, they march; when it settles, they camp.

God instructs Moses to make two silver trumpets for summoning the community and signalling camp movements. Israel finally departs from Sinai after nearly a year, marching in formation with the cloud leading. Moses invites his father-in-law Hobab to journey with them and serve as a guide.

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.

God settles the dispute about priestly authority by having each tribal leader place a staff in the tabernacle overnight. Aaron's staff miraculously buds, blossoms, and produces almonds, confirming God's choice of the Levites. The staff is kept in the ark as a permanent witness against future rebellion.

God defines the roles of priests and Levites more precisely. Priests alone handle the sacred objects and altar; Levites assist them. The Levites receive the tithe of all Israel as their inheritance in place of land. In turn, the Levites give a tenth of the tithe to the priests.

God institutes the red heifer purification ceremony for cleansing from contact with a dead body. The heifer is burned completely and its ashes mixed with water to create purification water. Anyone who touches a corpse is unclean for seven days and must be sprinkled on the third and seventh days.

Miriam dies at Kadesh. The people again quarrel about water, and God tells Moses to speak to the rock. Instead, Moses strikes the rock twice in anger, and God declares that Moses and Aaron will not enter the Promised Land because they did not trust Him. Aaron dies on Mount Hor and his son Eleazar succeeds him.

Balak king of Moab hires the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. God tells Balaam not to go, then permits him with conditions. On the way, Balaam's donkey sees the angel of the Lord blocking the path three times and finally speaks to Balaam. God opens Balaam's eyes to see the angel.

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 restates the daily, weekly, and monthly offerings that must be maintained — the daily burnt offerings of two lambs, the Sabbath offerings, and the New Moon offerings. Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread offerings are detailed. These offerings ensure continual worship and atonement.

The offerings for the remaining festivals are prescribed: the Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles requires an extraordinary number of bull offerings — seventy bulls over the week, decreasing each day — making it the most lavish celebration.

Laws are given about vows, particularly regarding women. A man's vow is binding immediately, but a woman's vow may be confirmed or annulled by her father (if unmarried) or husband on the day he hears of it. Silence constitutes approval. These laws reflect the household authority structure of ancient Israel.

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.

The tribes of Reuben and Gad request to settle east of the Jordan because the land is good for livestock. Moses initially rebukes them, comparing them to the faithless spies. They agree to cross the Jordan and fight alongside their brothers before returning to their eastern inheritance. Half of Manasseh also settles east.

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.

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.

Paul calls believers to imitate Christ's humility: though He was in the form of God, He emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and humbled Himself to death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name. Paul urges them to work out their salvation with fear and trembling as God works in them.

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.

Solomon urges his son to seek wisdom like hidden treasure. Those who find wisdom gain understanding, protection from evil paths, and deliverance from the immoral woman. God gives wisdom to the upright.

One of the most beloved chapters in Proverbs. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Wisdom is more precious than rubies.

Solomon passes down his father David's wisdom: get wisdom at all costs. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Keep your eyes fixed forward and your feet on straight paths.

A warning against adultery. The lips of the forbidden woman drip honey, but her end is bitter as wormwood. Solomon counsels faithfulness to one's own wife, delighting in the love of youth. Sin's consequences are inescapable.

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?

A vivid narrative of a young man seduced by an adulterous woman. She catches him at twilight with persuasive words and leads him to her house. He follows like an ox to slaughter. The chapter ends with a stark warning: many are her victims.

Two invitations contrast: Lady Wisdom builds her house and sets a feast, inviting the simple to learn. The foolish woman also calls, but her path leads to death. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

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 discipline, wealth, and hope. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Those who walk with the wise become wise. A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children.

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 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.

Warnings against envy, gluttony, and drunkenness. Do not wear yourself out to get rich. Words of wisdom to a fool are wasted. A vivid description of the drunkard's suffering: bloodshot eyes, seeing strange sights, stumbling around.

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 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 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.

The heavens declare God's glory, and the law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. David moves from creation's testimony to Scripture's power, and ends with a prayer to be kept from hidden faults and wilful sins.