The Inclusive Language Bible
500 Key Passages of Scripture

Genesis

Genesis 2^7-8,15,18-24Genesis 2.7-8,15,18-24

The Lord God formed Adam - the first human being - from the dust of the earth. And the Lord God breathed into Adam’s nostrils the breath of life, and Adam became a living being. And the Lord God planted a garden, in Eden, in the east; and the Lord God placed Adam in the garden, to tend it, and to keep it. Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for Adam to be alone. I will make a helper, to be alongside Adam.’ So the Lord God formed, from the dust of the earth, every animal of the field, and every bird of the air. And the Lord God brought them to Adam, and whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. And so Adam gave names to the cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field. But still, no suitable helper was found to be alongside Adam. So the Lord God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep. And while Adam slept, the Lord God opened Adam’s side, and took one of Adam’s ribs; and closed up the place, where the rib had been taken, with flesh; and formed the rib into a woman. And the Lord God brought her to Adam. And Adam said, ‘This, at last, is bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh, formed from my very self. I name her “Woman”.’ And so it is that when two people marry, they become one body.

Genesis 3^1-6Genesis 3.1-6

The serpent was more cunning than any other creature the Lord God had made. The serpent said to Eve, ‘Did God say that you are not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?’ Eve said to the serpent, ‘We may eat the fruit of any tree in the garden; except the tree in the middle of the garden, for God said that if we even touch it, we shall die.’ The serpent said to Eve, ‘You will not die; but when you eat the fruit of that tree, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ Understanding now that the fruit of the tree would bring knowledge, and seeing that it was beautiful, and good to eat, Eve took fruit from the tree, and gave some to Adam, who was with her, and they ate.

Genesis 3^8-15Genesis 3.8-15

The man and the woman heard the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the evening breeze. And they hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. The Lord God called out, ‘Where are you?’ The man said, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.’ The Lord God said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten the fruit of the tree that I commanded you not to eat?’ The man said, ‘The woman you gave to be with me - she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.’ The Lord God said to the woman, ‘What is this that you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent tricked me, and I ate.’ The Lord God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, you are cursed, all your days, more than all other creatures and animals, to go about upon your belly, and eat dust. And there will be conflict, between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers. They will strike you on the head, and you will strike them on the heel.’

Genesis 9^8-15Genesis 9.8-15

God said to Noah, ‘Today, I make a covenant, with you, and with all your descendants, with the animals and the birds, with every living creature that came out of the ark, and with all the earth, for all generations: that never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood. I set the rainbow in the clouds, as a sign of the covenant that I make with you; and when the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember the covenant that I make with you this day.’

Genesis 12^1-5Genesis 12.1-5

The Lord said to Abram, ‘You are to leave your country, your people, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you. And I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you. I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing to many. I will bless those who bless you, and I will rebuke those who dishonour you. And in you, all the nations of the earth will be blessed.’ And Abram departed from Haran, with his wife Sara, and his nephew Lot, and all their household, and all their possessions, as the Lord had directed.

Genesis 14^18-20aGenesis 14.18-20a

King Melchizedek of Salem was a priest of God Most High. And he brought out bread, and wine. And he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram, by God Most High, the maker of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered you from the hands of your enemies.’

Genesis 15^1,5-6Genesis 15.1,5-6

The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your protector, and your reward will be great. Look to the sky. Your descendants will outnumber the stars.’ And Abram trusted in this word from the Lord. And this made Abram righteous in the eyes of the Lord.

Genesis 15^12-14,18Genesis 15.12-14,18

As the sun was going down, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a terrifying darkness fell upon him. The Lord said to Abram, ‘For four hundred years, your descendants will live as foreigners in a land that is not their own; and they will be slaves there, and they will be oppressed. But I make this covenant with you this day: that I will bring judgement on the nation that enslaves them, and your descendants will leave that place with great possessions, and I will restore them to this land.’

Genesis 18^1-10aGenesis 18.1-10a

This is how the Lord appeared to Abraham at Hebron. As Abraham sat at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day, he looked up and saw three figures standing near by. He ran to them, and bowed down, saying, ‘My Lord, if I have found favour in your sight, do not pass by, but rest here in the shade, and let me bring water to wash your feet, and bread, that you may eat, and be restored, before you continue on your way.’ Abraham hurried back to the tent, and asked Sarah to prepare three measures of the finest flour, and knead it quickly to make bread. He went out to the cattle, and took the best calf, and gave it to the servant, to prepare it. Then he took butter, and milk, and the meat of the calf, and set it before the three visitors. And he stood by them, in the shade of the tree, while they ate. They said to Abraham, ‘Where is Sarah, your wife?’ Abraham said, ‘She is there, in the tent.’ And one of them said, ‘I will surely return to you when the time is right, and Sarah, your wife, will have a son.’

Genesis 18^23-32Genesis 18.23-32

Abraham approached the Lord and said, ‘Will the Lord destroy the righteous along with the wicked? If there are fifty righteous in the city, will the Lord destroy the whole city, including the fifty righteous within it? Surely the Lord will not do such a thing, to slay the righteous along with the wicked. Surely the Judge of all the earth will do what is right.’ And the Lord said, ‘If I find fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole city for their sake.’ Abraham said, ‘Let me dare to speak again to the Lord, even though I am but dust and ashes. If there are only forty-five righteous in the city, will the Lord destroy the city for the lack of five?’ And the Lord said, ‘I will not destroy the city, if I find forty-five righteous there.’ Again, Abraham spoke to the Lord, for forty, and thirty, and twenty, righteous. And Abraham said, ‘Oh do not let the Lord be angry, if I speak one more time. If only ten righteous are found, will the Lord destroy the city?’ And the Lord answered, ‘For the sake of ten righteous, I will not destroy the city.’

Genesis 32^22-30Genesis 32.22-30

While it was still dark, Jacob led his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, to the place where they could cross the river Jabbok. Jacob sent them across ahead of him, with everything they had; until only Jacob remained. And there, someone wrestled with Jacob until daybreak. And still failing to overpower Jacob, the one who was wrestling with Jacob finally struck Jacob on the hip, putting it out of joint, and said, ‘Let me go, for it is nearly daybreak.’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go, unless you bless me.’ The one who had wrestled with Jacob asked Jacob his name, and then said, ‘You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel,’ (which means ‘wrestling with God’), ‘for you have wrestled with God, and with mortals, and you have prevailed.’ And Jacob said, ‘Now tell me your name.’ But the one who had wrestled with Jacob said, ‘Why is it that you ask my name?’ So Jacob called the place Peniel, (which means ‘the face of God’) saying, ‘I have seen God, face to face, and yet I live.’

Genesis 50^15-21Genesis 50.15-21

Joseph’s brothers feared that Joseph would still hold against them all the wrongs that they had done to him. So the brothers approached Joseph, and said, ‘Before your father died, he gave us this message to pass on to you: “I beg you, my son; forgive the crimes of your brothers, and all the wrongs that they have done to you.” And so we come to you now, as humble servants of the God of your father, and we beg you to forgive us for all the wrongs that we have done to you.’ Joseph was moved to tears when he heard these words. His brothers fell down before him, saying again, ‘We are your humble servants.’ But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. You thought you had a plan for harm, but God had a plan for good, to save many lives, as you see today.’ And Joseph reassured them, and comforted them, saying, ‘Have no fear. I will provide for you, and for your children.’

Exodus

Exodus 12^{2-3,5a,6-8,11-14}Exodus 12.2-3,5a,6-8,11-14

The Lord spoke these words to Moses and Aaron in Egypt. You are to call this month the first month of the year. On the tenth day of this month, each family, each household, is to take a lamb, a year-old male, without blemish. On the fourteenth day, each household is to slaughter the lamb at sunset. With the blood of the lamb, you are to mark the door-frame of the house where you will eat. That same night, you are to roast the lamb over a fire, and eat it, with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. You are to eat it hurriedly, with your belt fastened, and your shoes on your feet. That night will be the Passover of the Lord - for I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every first-born male in the land of Egypt, both people and animals. Against all the gods of Egypt, I will bring judgement - for I am the Lord. But when I see the blood of the lamb on the houses where you live, I will pass over you, and no plague will destroy you, even as I strike the land of Egypt. And then, you are to keep this day as a day of remembrance, a festival to the Lord for ever, through every generation.

Exodus 16^2-3,9-15Exodus 16.2-3, 9-15

The Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron, saying, ‘If only we had died, by the hand of the Lord, in the land of Egypt, where we ate our fill of meat and bread. But you have brought us out into this wilderness, to die of hunger.’ Aaron gathered the people together, and said, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for the Lord has heard your complaining. And the Lord says this: “In the evening, you will eat meat; and in the morning, you will have your fill of bread; and then you will know that I am the Lord your God.”’ As Aaron was speaking to the people, they looked towards the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in a cloud. That evening, quails flew in, and covered the camp. And in the morning, there was a layer of dew, all around the camp. When the dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they asked one another what it could be. Moses said, ‘It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.’

Exodus 17^1-7Exodus 17.1-7

The whole people of Israel made the journey through the wilderness in stages, as the Lord commanded. In one place where they rested, there was no water for the people to drink. The people argued, and complained against Moses, saying, ‘You have brought us out of Egypt to a place where we, and our children, and our livestock, will all die of thirst!’ Moses said to them, ‘Surely you should not quarrel or complain against me. For surely you should not doubt the Lord, or put the Lord to the test.’ And Moses cried out to the Lord, ‘What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.’ The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of the people. Carry with you the same stick that you used to strike the river Nile. I will stand before you, on the rock, at Mount Sinai. You will strike the rock, and water will come out of the rock, for the people to drink.’ And Moses did as the Lord commanded. And he called the place ‘Quarrel’, and ‘Testing’, because there, the people had quarrelled, and doubted the Lord, and even questioned whether the Lord was with them.

Exodus 19^1-6Exodus 19.1-6

Exactly two months after escaping from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai. And they set up camp there, at the foot of the mountain. Moses went up the mountain to meet with God. And there, the Lord gave Moses this message for the people. ‘You have seen what I did to those who had enslaved you, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings, to bring you to myself. So now, I say, if you will hear my voice, and keep my covenant, you will be my treasured possession out of all the nations. The whole world is mine - but you will be, for me, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.’

Exodus 20^2-17Exodus 20.2-17

I am the Lord your God. I brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself any idol, in the form of anything that is in the sky above, or the earth below, or the waters under the earth. You shall not bow down to them, or worship them, for I am the Lord your God, and I grieve at the rebellion of those who reject me, to the third and fourth generation; but I show steadfast love to a thousand generations of those who honour me and keep my commandments. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. You shall remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labour, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On the sabbath day, you shall do no work. All shall rest on the sabbath day: you, your sons and daughters, your servants; the foreigners living in your towns; even your livestock; for in six days, the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and made it holy. You shall honour your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord, your God, is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. You shall not envy your neighbour’s spouse. You shall not envy your neighbour’s household, or home, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.

Exodus 32^{7-8,10-11,13-14}Exodus 32.7-8,10-11,13-14

At the top of Mount Sinai, the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down at once to your people, the people you brought out of Egypt, for they have corrupted themselves. They have already turned aside from the way that I commanded them. They have made for themselves an image of a calf; and they have worshipped it, and made sacrifices to it. They have even declared that this is the god who brought them out of Egypt. Now let my anger burn hot against them to destroy them. And from you alone I will make a great nation.’ But Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, saying, ‘O Lord, do not let your anger burn hot against your people, the people you brought out of Egypt with great power and with your own mighty hand. Remember your promise to your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that you would multiply their descendants like the stars of heaven, and give them this land as their inheritance.’ And the Lord heard Moses’ plea, and drew back from anger at the rebellion of the people.

Exodus 33^7-11aExodus 33.7-11a

Moses set up a tent, called the Tent of Meeting, far outside the camp, and anyone who sought the Lord would go to it. Whenever Moses himself went out to it, all the people would stand by their tents and watch. The pillar of cloud would descend, and would stand by the entrance of the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses there. When they saw the pillar of cloud, standing at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, all the people would bow down, each of them at the entrance of their tent. And the Lord would speak with Moses there, face to face, as you speak with a friend.

Leviticus

Leviticus 13^2-3,45-46,14^2-4,8a,10Leviticus 13.2-3,45-46;14.2-4,8a,10

When the priest examines blemishes on the skin, and finds them to be leprosy, the person with the blemishes will be declared unclean, and must go to live alone, in a dwelling outside the camp, and must wear torn clothes, and must leave their hair dishevelled, and whilst going about, must cover their mouth, and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean.’ But if the person is brought again to the priest, and the priest finds the disease to be healed, the person who has been found to be healed shall make an offering of two turtle-doves, with cedar-wood, and crimson, and herbs, and shall bathe, and cut their hair, and wear clean clothes; and a week later, shall make a thanksgiving offering: a thanksgiving offering of a lamb.

Leviticus 19^{2b-4,9-12,17-18}Leviticus 19.2b-4,9-12,17-18

You shall be holy, for I am holy, says the Lord your God. You shall honour your mother and your father, and you shall keep my sabbath, says the Lord. You shall not turn to idols, or make gods out of metal for yourselves, says the Lord. When you gather in the harvest, you shall not cut to the very edge of your field, or return for the little that remains. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes. These you shall leave for the poor, and for the foreigner living amongst you, says the Lord your God. You shall not steal, or be dishonest in your dealings, or lie to one another. You shall not swear a false oath in my name, for this would be dishonouring the name of the Lord your God. You shall not hold hatred in your heart against your neighbour. You shall challenge your neighbour’s wrong-doing, for if you fail to do so, you bear the guilt of that wrong-doing yourself, says the Lord. You shall not take revenge, or bear a grudge against any of your people. And you shall love your neighbour as yourself, says the Lord your God.

Leviticus 19^2b,15-18Leviticus 19.2b, 15-18

You shall be holy, for I am holy, says the Lord your God. You shall ensure justice for your neighbour, without regard to status or wealth. You shall not speak falsehood against your neighbour. You shall not profit from endangering the life of your neighbour. You shall not hold hatred in your heart against your neighbour. You shall challenge your neighbour’s wrong-doing, for if you fail to do so, you bear the guilt of that wrong-doing yourself. You shall not take revenge, or bear a grudge, against any of your people. And you shall love your neighbour as yourself.

Numbers

Numbers 11^14,16,25-29Numbers 11.14,16,25-29

Moses cried out to the Lord that leading the people was too great a burden to bear alone. So the Lord instructed Moses to gather seventy of the elders of Israel at the Tent of Meeting. When they were gathered, the Lord came down, in the cloud, and spoke to Moses. And the Lord took some of the spirit that was on Moses, and put it on the seventy elders, and they began to speak the word of the Lord, as prophets. Two of the elders had not gone out to the Tent of Meeting, but had remained in the camp; and the spirit came upon them also; and they began to speak the word of the Lord, as prophets, there in the camp. When Moses and Joshua heard of this, at the Tent of Meeting, Joshua said, ‘My lord Moses, you must stop them!’ But Moses said to Joshua, ‘Do not be jealous on my behalf. I would prefer that all the Lord’s people were prophets, with the spirit of the Lord upon them!’

Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 4^1a,6-8Deuteronomy 4.1a,6-8

When you observe the commandments and teachings of the Lord our God, that I have set before you this day, other nations will hear of them, and say, “This is truly a people of great wisdom and understanding!” For no other nation can call upon a god who is near to them like the Lord our God. And no other nation has commandments and teachings to establish justice and righteousness like the commandments and teachings of the Lord our God.

Deuteronomy 5^12-15Deuteronomy 5.12-15

Observe the sabbath day and keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. For six days you shall labour, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. All shall rest on the sabbath day: you, your sons and daughters, your servants; the foreigners living in your towns; even your livestock. Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to honour the sabbath day.

Deuteronomy 6^1-9Deuteronomy 6.1-9

Hear O Israel, the commandments, laws, and decrees, that the Lord your God has commanded me to teach to you. You are to keep these commandments, laws, and decrees, in the land that you are now to enter, so that you, and your children, and your children’s children, may honour the Lord your God, all the days of your life, and your days may be long, and you may prosper, and multiply greatly in this land: this land, flowing with milk and honey, as promised to you by the Lord, the God of your ancestors. So hear this commandment, O Israel: the Lord your God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take these words, that I am commanding you today, and keep them in your heart. Teach them to your children. Recite them at home, and when you travel. Recite them at the end of the day, and in the morning. Mark them on your hand, and on your forehead; on your doorposts, and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 11^18-20,26-28Deuteronomy 11.18-20, 26-28

Fix these words in your heart and in your soul, on your hands and before your eyes. Teach them to your children, every morning, and every evening, both when you are at home, and when you are away. Write them on your gates and on your houses. For I set before you today both a blessing and a curse: a blessing, if you live by the commandments of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; and a curse, if you reject the way of the Lord your God, and follow other gods you have not known.

Deuteronomy 16^9-12Deuteronomy 16.9-12

Seven weeks after the first cut of the harvest, you are to keep a festival to the Lord your God. From the bounty of your harvest, you are to make a free-will offering, and celebrate, in the presence of the Lord, with your sons and daughters, and your servants, and the Levites in your towns, and also the foreigners, and the orphans, and the widows, who are amongst you. You are all to celebrate together in the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for God’s holy name. You must carefully observe these commands, for you must never forget that you were once, yourselves, in slavery, in Egypt.

Deuteronomy 26^4-10Deuteronomy 26.4-10

When the priest takes your harvest offering of the first-fruits of the land, and places it before the altar of the Lord your God, there you shall say: ‘My ancestors were homeless travellers from Aram. Few in number, we lived in Egypt, as foreigners. There, we grew in number, and in strength, to become a great nation. But the Egyptians treated us harshly, and afflicted us, imposing hard labour upon us. We cried to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, and the Lord heard our voice, and looked upon our affliction, our toil and oppression. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt, with a mighty hand, and an outstretched arm, and acts of great power, and brought us to this place, and gave us this land, a land rich with milk and honey. So now I bring to you, O Lord, the first-fruits of the harvest of the land that you have given to me.’ And you shall bow down before the Lord your God.

Deuteronomy 30^10-14Deuteronomy 30.10-14

Return to the Lord your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul. Trust in the Lord your God, and observe the commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law. The commandment of the Lord that I bring to you, today, is not too hard for you. Neither is it too far away, as though you would need someone to cross the ocean, or go up to heaven, to bring it to you. No, for the commandment of the Lord is very near to you; it is already on your lips, and in your heart.

Deuteronomy 30^15-20Deuteronomy 30.15-20

Today I set before you life and prosperity, or death and adversity. If you love the Lord your God, and keep the commandments of the Lord your God, you will live, and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you, in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away, and you do not hear and receive these words, but instead allow yourselves to be led astray, to bow down to other gods, and serve them, I declare today that you will perish; that you will not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call on heaven and earth to serve as witnesses today, as I set before you the choice of life or death, of blessing or adversity. Now choose life, for yourselves, and your descendants, by loving, trusting, and holding fast to the Lord your God. For the Lord is your life. And so may you live long in the land that the Lord promised to your ancestors - to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Joshua

Joshua 5^9-12Joshua 5.9-12

After crossing the river Jordan, to enter the promised land, the people camped at Gilgal, in the plains of Jericho. And there, they kept the Passover, on the evening of the fourteenth day of the month. The next day, there was no miraculous food on the ground; because now, they were able to eat the ordinary produce of the promised land. That first day, they ate the produce of the promised land as flat-breads, and roasted grain. And the Lord said to Joshua: ‘Today, I have taken away the disgrace you suffered in Egypt.’

Joshua 24^1a,14-18Joshua 24.1a, 14-18

Joshua gathered the tribes of Israel, with their elders, leaders, judges, and officers, and addressed them, saying: ‘Turn away from the gods that your ancestors served, and honour the Lord your God with all your heart; for it is the Lord your God who has brought you to this place, and to this day. And if you are unwilling to serve the Lord your God, choose this day the gods you will serve, whether the gods of your ancestors, or the gods of those in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!’ And the people answered, ‘Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord our God to serve other gods; for it is the Lord our God who brought us, and our ancestors, out of the house of slavery in the land of Egypt. It is the Lord our God who gave many great signs in our sight, protected us along the way, and brought us to this land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for the Lord is our God.’

Samuel

1 Samuel 3^1-101 Samuel 3.1-10

The boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the temple, under the guidance of Eli, the high priest. The word of the Lord was rare in those days, and visions from the Lord were few. Eli’s eyesight was failing. And Samuel did not yet know the Lord, for the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. One evening, before the lamp of God had gone out, Eli was lying down in his room, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, near the ark of God. And the Lord called out: ‘Samuel!’ Samuel said, ‘Here I am!’ and ran to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But Eli said, ‘I did not call; go and lie down.’ Samuel went, and lay down; and the Lord called out a second time, ‘Samuel!’ Again, Samuel went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But Eli said, ‘My son, I did not call; go and lie down.’ And the Lord called Samuel a third time. And again, Samuel went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ And now Eli understood that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, and lie down, and if you hear the call again, say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”’ So Samuel went and lay down again, and the Lord came, and stood there, calling as before, ‘Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’

1 Samuel 16^{1b,4-7,10-13a}1 Samuel 16.1b,4-7,10-13a

The Lord sent Samuel to the home of Jesse, in Bethlehem, saying, ‘I have chosen, for myself, a king, amongst the sons of Jesse.’ In Bethlehem, Samuel invited Jesse and his sons, and all the elders of the city, to meet with him, in peace, and make a sacrifice to the Lord. Once they had gathered, Samuel first saw Jesse’s eldest son, Eliab. Samuel thought that Eliab would surely be the Lord’s anointed. But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look upon his height, or his appearance, for I have rejected him. Mortals may look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’ Jesse presented six more of his sons to Samuel. But Samuel said, ‘Are all your sons here? For the Lord has not chosen any of these.’ Jesse replied, ‘There remains only the youngest, and he is out, watching over the sheep.’ Samuel said, ‘Send for him; and we will not eat until he arrives.’ When the youngest son arrived, the Lord immediately said to Samuel, ‘Rise, and anoint him, for he is the one.’ Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed David in the presence of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day forward.

1 Samuel 26^7-13,22-241 Samuel 26.7-13,22-24

That night, David went, with his nephew, to the place where Saul and his army had set up camp. They found Saul, asleep, within the camp, with his spear, stuck in the ground, beside him, and his chief military officer, and his soldiers, sleeping around him. David’s nephew said to David, ‘God has given your enemy into your hands. Let me pin him to the ground, with one stroke of his own spear. I will not need to strike him twice.’ But David said to his nephew, ‘Do not kill him, for you would bear the guilt of raising your hand against the Lord’s anointed. Let it be the Lord who strikes him down, when his day comes to die; or let him go into battle, and perish there. Let us take his spear, and his water jar, and go.’ And no one saw it, or knew of it; and no one awoke, for the Lord had made a deep sleep fall upon them. The following morning, David stood on top of a hill, on the other side of the valley, and across that great distance, David called out to Saul, ‘Here is your spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and retrieve it! The Lord gave you into my hand today, but I would not raise my hand against the Lord’s anointed. The Lord rewards the righteous and the faithful. And as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life, and deliver me from all danger and distress.’

2 Samuel 5^1-32 Samuel 5.1-3

The elders of the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, ‘We are your own flesh and blood. And even while Saul has been king over us, you have been the one who has led us. And we know that the Lord has spoken to you, declaring that you will be the shepherd and leader of Israel.’ So David made a covenant with the elders of Israel, in the presence of the Lord, at Hebron. And there, the elders anointed David to be king over Israel.

2 Samuel 7^1-9,11b,162 Samuel 7.1-9, 11b, 16

David, the king, was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him. So David said to the prophet Nathan, ‘I now live in a house built from cedar, but the ark of God still lives in a tent.’ At first, the prophet Nathan replied, ‘Do whatever you have in mind; for the Lord is with you.’ But that same night, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Nathan, that he should instead give to king David this word from the Lord: ‘I have not lived in a house from the day I brought my people out of Egypt, to this day; but I have travelled with my people, with a tent as my only dwelling. I appointed leaders to shepherd my people, but I never asked any one of them to build me a house of cedar. I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be my servant, and the leader of my people. Wherever you have gone, I have been with you. I have defeated your enemies all around you. And now, I will make your name great in all the earth. You will not make a house for the Lord to live in; but I, the Lord, will make your house and your kingdom secure, and establish your throne for ever.’

2 Samuel 12^1-5,7-9,13a2 Samuel 12.1-5,7-9,13a

The prophet Nathan said to king David, ‘There were two men in a city, one rich and one poor. The rich man had many sheep and cattle, but the poor man had only one small lamb, which he had bought. The poor man’s only lamb grew up alongside his own children, eating and drinking from the little that they had, like another member of the family. Now a traveller came to visit the rich man. And the rich man did not take any of his own sheep or cattle to prepare, as a meal for the traveller, but instead, took the poor man’s lamb, and prepared that, as a meal for the guest who had come to him.’ On hearing this, David became angry against the rich man, and said to the prophet Nathan, ‘As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die!’ And the prophet Nathan said to David, ‘You are that man! And now the Lord, the God of Israel, says this: I anointed you king over Israel, and I rescued you from the hand of Saul; I gave you your master’s possessions, and household, and the whole of Israel and Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added as much again. And yet you have despised the word of the Lord, and done what is evil in the sight of the Lord! For you have taken for yourself the wife of Uriah the Hittite, and you have had Uriah himself struck down and killed by the sword of the enemy!’ And King David said to the prophet Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’

Kings

1 Kings 3^5-131 Kings 3.5-13

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, by night, saying, ‘Make your request. Ask what I should give to you.’ And Solomon said to the Lord, ‘You showed great and steadfast love to my father David, who served you faithfully, in righteousness and justice. And you have continued in that great and steadfast love by giving David a son to sit on his throne today. And now, I am that king, your humble servant, in place of my father David, even though I am only a child. The people of this nation, your chosen people, O Lord, are so great in number that they cannot be counted. And so my request is for an understanding heart, to judge between good and evil, for without this, none could govern this your great people.’ It pleased the Lord that this was Solomon’s request. So the Lord said to Solomon, ‘Because you have not asked for long life, or riches, or the death of your enemies, but have asked for an understanding heart, to govern with justice, I will grant what you have asked. I will give you a wise and understanding heart, like no other that has gone before, or will ever be again. And I will also give you what you have not asked: riches and honour, all your life, such that no other king can compare.

1 Kings 8^41-431 Kings 8.41-43

From the prayer of Solomon, at the dedication of the temple. ‘People of other nations will hear of your great name, O Lord. They will hear of your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm, and they will come to this temple to pray. When people of other nations come to this temple, hear their prayers, in heaven, your dwelling-place, and answer them, O Lord, so that your name will be known, and you will be honoured, not only in Israel, but in all the nations of the earth.’

1 Kings 17^8-161 Kings 17.8-16

The Lord directed Elijah to go to the coastal town of Sarepta, in Lebanon, saying, ‘I have commanded a widow there to feed you.’ As Elijah approached the town, he saw a widow, gathering sticks. Elijah asked her for a cup of water, and as she went, he called after her, asking also for a piece of bread. She turned and said to Elijah, ‘As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked. I have only a handful of flour, in a jar, and a little oil, in a jug. I am gathering these sticks so that I may go home, and prepare all that remains, for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.’ Elijah said to her, ‘Do not be afraid. Go, and do as you have said. But first, make something, and bring it to me; and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. For the Lord, the God of Israel, says this: The jar of flour will not be empty, and the jug of oil will not run dry, until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth.’ She went and did as Elijah had said, and she, and Elijah, and her household, ate for many days; and the jar of flour was not empty, and the jug of oil did not run dry.

1 Kings 17^17-241 Kings 17.17-24

There was a famine throughout the land, and the prophet Elijah was staying with a widow at Sarepta, in Lebanon. The son of the widow became ill, with an illness so severe that there was no breath left in him. The widow said to Elijah, ‘What do you have against me? Have you come to accuse me of sin, and to punish me with the death of my son?’ Elijah took her son from her arms, carried him up to his room, laid him down, and cried out to the Lord, saying, ‘O Lord my God, must you bring such adversity, even upon the widow in this house where I am staying, by killing her son?’ And weeping upon the body of her son, Elijah cried out, three times, to the Lord: ‘O Lord my God, let his life return to him.’ And the Lord listened to the voice of Elijah; and the life of the son returned to him. And Elijah took the son down into the house, and gave him to his mother, saying, ‘See, your son is alive.’ And the woman said to Elijah, ‘Now I know that you are a prophet of God, and that the words you speak are truly from the Lord.’

1 Kings 19^4-81 Kings 19.4-8

Elijah went a full day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down in the shade of a single tree, and asked that he might die: ‘It is enough, now, Lord; take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.’ Then he lay down, in the shade of the tree, and slept. He was woken by an angel, saying, ‘Get up, and eat.’ And there, at his side, was some bread, baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate, and drank, and lay down again. Then he was woken again, by the angel of the Lord, saying, ‘Get up, and eat, for you have a great journey ahead of you.’ Elijah got up, and ate, and drank. And he went, in the strength of that food, forty days and forty nights, to Horeb, the mountain of God.

1 Kings 19^9a,11-13a1 Kings 19.9a,11-13a

Elijah arrived at the mountain of God; and entered a cave, where he spent the night. Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah, saying, ‘Go out, and stand on the mountain, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ And there came a great wind, so strong that it was breaking rocks, from the mountains, into pieces; but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind, there was an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, a still, small voice, like a breath, or a whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his cloak around his face, and went out, and stood at the entrance of the cave; and then came the voice of the Lord.

1 Kings 19^{15a,16b,19-21}1 Kings 19.15a,16b,19-21

The Lord said to the prophet Elijah, ‘You are to go to the wilderness of Damascus, to anoint Elisha to be my prophet, in your place.’ So Elijah travelled to the wilderness of Damascus, and found Elisha, ploughing in a field, with twelve pairs of oxen working ahead of him. Elijah walked past Elisha, and as he did so, he threw his cloak over him. Elisha left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, saying, ‘Let me bid farewell to my father and mother, and then I will follow you.’ Elijah replied, ‘Go back to them then. I have done what I had to do.’ Returning to the field, Elisha slaughtered the oxen, and used the wooden equipment to light a fire, on which he cooked the oxen. Elisha gave the cooked meat to the people, and they ate. Then Elisha set out, and followed Elijah.

2 Kings 4^42-442 Kings 4.42-44

There was a famine throughout the land. But in one village, in the mountains, some barley ripened. The farmer made twenty bread rolls from the first of the crop, and took them to Elisha, as an offering of the first-fruits, as required by the law. When he presented them to Elisha, Elisha said to his servant, ‘Give them to the people, so that they may eat.’ But Elisha’s servant said, ‘How can I serve twenty bread rolls to a hundred people?’ Elisha said again, ‘Give them to the people, so that they may eat, for the Lord says they shall eat, and have bread to spare. So Elisha’s servant gave the twenty bread rolls to the people, and they ate, and had bread to spare, as the Lord had made known to Elisha.

2 Kings 5^1-3,5,9-15b2 Kings 5.1-3, 5, 9-15b

Naaman was the highly-respected commander of the Syrian army, which had won many victories under his command. And yet Naaman, this mighty warrior, suffered from leprosy. On one of their raids, the Syrian army had taken a young girl captive from the land of Israel, and she was now a servant to Naaman’s wife. This servant girl told her mistress that there was a prophet in Samaria who could cure Naaman of his leprosy. So, taking with him a letter from the king, Naaman travelled to Samaria with his horses and chariots, taking silver, gold, and fine garments. When Naaman arrived in Samaria, at the house of Elisha the prophet, Elisha sent out a messenger, to say to Naaman, ‘Go and wash, seven times, in the river Jordan; and your flesh will be restored, and you will be clean.’ But Naaman became angry, and went away, saying, ‘Surely the prophet could at least have come out of his house, called on the name of the Lord his God, and waved his hand over the leprosy, to cure it! We have rivers of our own, better than any in Israel!’ But his servants said, ‘Sir, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, you would have done it. So surely you can do as the prophet commands, when all he says is to wash, and be clean.’ So Naaman went, and washed, seven times, in the river Jordan, as Elisha the prophet had instructed. And Naaman’s flesh was restored like that of a child; and he was clean. Then Naaman returned, with all his servants, and stood before Elisha, and said, ‘Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.’

Chronicles

2 Chronicles 36^14-232 Chronicles 36.14-23

The priests, and the people, became unfaithful. They followed the evil ways of other nations, even in the house of the Lord, in Jerusalem. But the Lord God, the God of their ancestors, had compassion upon them, and repeatedly sent messengers amongst them. But the people mocked and rejected the prophets and messengers of God, despising their words. Finally, the displeasure of the Lord was so great, that the Lord brought up against them the army of the king of Babylon. The invading army killed their young men with the sword, even in the temple, and had no compassion, even on the old and the weak. Both the temple and the palace were burned to the ground, and their treasures were taken away to Babylon; and the city walls were broken down. Those who escaped from the sword were taken away as prisoners, to Babylon, and were made servants of the king of Babylon. Then Jerusalem lay desolate for seventy years, fulfilling all the sabbaths it had missed, in fulfilment of the word of the Lord by the prophet Jeremiah; until, in the first year of the new kingdom of Persia, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus, the king of Persia, to make this declaration: ‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and has appointed me to build, for the Lord, a temple at Jerusalem; so let all the Lord’s people return to Jerusalem, and may the Lord your God be with you.’

Nehemiah

Nehemiah 8^1-4a,7-10Nehemiah 8.1-4a, 7-10

On the first day of the seventh month, all the people gathered together in the public square next to the city’s main well. Ezra the priest stood on a wooden platform which had been built, specially for the day, and read from the book of the law of Moses, the law which the Lord had given to the people of Israel, from early morning, until midday. All the people gave their full attention to the reading of the book of the law. And the Levites gave the interpretation, and the meaning, so that the people could understand all that was being read. And the people wept when they heard and understood the words of the law. But Nehemiah the governor, and Ezra the priest, and the Levites who taught the people, said to the people, ‘Do not mourn or weep, for this day is holy to the Lord your God. Make a feast of the best food and wine, and send portions to any who have nothing to prepare, for this day is holy to the Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’

Job

Job 19^23-27aJob 19.23-27a

Let this be written down, recorded in a book, and engraved in stone: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives; and the day will come when my Redeemer will stand upon the earth. And I know that when the suffering of this present age is ended, with my own eyes I shall see God.’

Job 38^1-13Job 38.1-13

From the storm and the whirlwind came the voice of the Lord. ‘It was I, the Lord, and no mortal, that measured out the dimensions of the earth, and laid its foundations. It was I, the Lord, that set its cornerstone in place, as the morning stars sang, and the angels shouted for joy. It was I, the Lord, that enclosed the wild ocean, when it was created in storm-clouds and thick darkness. And now, I hear mortals, questioning my wisdom with ignorant words. So prepare yourselves, for surely, I shall question you. For it was I, the Lord, and no mortal, that defined the boundaries of the ocean, saying, “This far and no further! Here shall your mighty waves be stopped!” And since your mortal days began, it was I, the Lord, and no mortal, that directed the sun to rise every morning, renewing the earth, and shaking the wicked away.’

Psalms

Psalm 1Psalm 1

Blessed are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or walk the path of the ungodly, or sit amongst those who mock; but instead delight in the law of the Lord, and meditate upon it night and day. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which flourish, and yield their fruit in their season. In all that they do, they prosper. The wicked are not so. They are like chaff that the wind blows away. The wicked will not stand in the judgement, nor transgressors in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 23Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, and everything I need. I lie down in green pastures, beside the still waters, where the Lord my Shepherd leads me, in paths of righteousness; and restores my soul, to honour the name of the Lord. As you lead me through the darkest valley of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your shepherd’s staff is a comfort to me. You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, and my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 51^1-17Psalm 51.1-17

Have mercy on me, O God, in your faithful, steadfast love; in your great mercy and compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash away my wickedness, and cleanse me from my guilt. For I know my transgressions, and my guilt is ever before me. Against you, O Lord, I have rebelled, and done what is evil in your sight. Your verdict is righteous, and your sentence is just. Surely I was guilty from the moment I was born - even before I was conceived. But now, teach me wisdom, deep within. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean. Wash me, to be purer than the freshly fallen snow. Let me hear joy and gladness. Let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Turn your face from my transgressions; blot out my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain my spirit in your will. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and the godless will return to you. Deliver me from the blood that is on my hands, O God of my salvation, and I will sing aloud of your deliverance. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. You have no delight in burnt-offerings; these you would despise. But the sacrifice you welcome, O God, is a humbled spirit; a broken and contrite heart.

Psalm 121Psalm 121

I lift my eyes to the hills. Where will our help be found? Our help comes from the Lord, who made both heaven and earth. The Lord will not let us stumble or fall. The Lord watches over us by night and by day. The Lord is the shade at your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil: the Lord will guard your life. The Lord will watch over your going out, and your returning home, both now, and for evermore.

Psalm 150Psalm 150

Alleluia! Praise and glory to God! In the temple, give glory to God! In the heavens, give glory to God! For mighty acts of power, give glory to God! For God’s very being - greatness beyond words - give glory to God! With the trumpet, the lute, and the harp, give praise to the Lord! With tambourines and dancing, give praise to the Lord! With the clash of loud cymbals, give praise to the Lord! Let everything that has breath give praise to the Lord! Alleluia!

Proverbs

Proverbs 8^1-3,22-31Proverbs 8.1-3, 22-31

Wisdom calls out, and Understanding raises her voice. On the hills, along the road, and at the meeting of the ways, she takes her stand. At the city gates, she declares: ‘I was created as the first of the works of the Lord. Before the beginning of the earth, I was established. Before the mountains and the hills had been formed, before there were springs of water, before there was even dust upon the ground, Wisdom was brought forth. When the Lord established the heavens, I was there. When the Lord drew a circle on the face of the deep, made firm the skies above, and set the boundaries of the oceans, I was the skilled apprentice at the Master’s side. I was daily the Lord’s delight, rejoicing in the presence of the Lord, and rejoicing in the whole of creation, and the whole human race. So now, my children, hear me - for blessed are those who walk in the ways of Wisdom. Hear my teaching, and be wise; do not refuse it. For those who lack wisdom do themselves harm, but blessed are those who learn Wisdom, attending every day to my teaching. To hate Wisdom is to love death - but those who find Wisdom find life, and the favour of the Lord.

Proverbs 9^1-6Proverbs 9.1-6

Wisdom has built her house, prepared her feast, and set out her finest wines. She has sent out her messengers, announcing, from the highest places in the city: All who seek wisdom, gather here! All who seek good judgement, knowledge, and understanding, Come! Eat my bread, and drink my wine! Walk in the way of understanding! Lay aside all foolishness, and live!

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 1^12-14,2^18-26aEcclesiastes 1.12-14; 2.18-26a

When I, the Teacher, was king, over Israel, in Jerusalem, I applied my mind to understand, by wisdom, all that is done under heaven. I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun. And look, this is what I saw: that it is a tiresome burden that God has given to occupy humankind; that all of it is vanity, like chasing after the wind. I came to despise all that I had done, and all that I had laboured to achieve, seeing that I must leave it all to those who come after me, not knowing whether they will be wise, or foolish. Yet they will be master over everything for which I laboured - everything to which I applied my wisdom. So I gave up my heart to despair concerning all my work, because even one who has laboured with wisdom, and knowledge, and skill, must leave it all to be enjoyed by another, who did not work for it; and this is a great injustice. For mortals gain nothing for all their labour under the sun. Their days are full of pain, and each task is a burden. Even at night, their minds do not rest. But then I saw this, from the hand of God: that there is nothing better for mortals than to eat, and drink, and find enjoyment in their work; for no mortal can eat, or drink, or find joy, without God. And while the sinner labours to store up wealth that will only be taken away, to the one who pleases God, God gives wisdom, and knowledge, and joy.

Isaiah

Isaiah 1^11-18Isaiah 1.11-18

Trample through my temple no more, says the Lord. I take no pleasure in your endless sacrifices. Your offerings are futile. I despise your incense, your festivals, and your solemn assemblies, while iniquity remains. When you reach out your hands in prayer, I will not listen. I will cover my eyes, for your hands are red with blood, says the Lord. But this is how to wash yourselves, and make yourselves clean: cease to do evil, and learn to do good; work for justice; rescue the oppressed; defend the orphan, and plead for the widow. Then, says the Lord, all that was stained blood-red with sin will be made pure, like lamb’s-wool, or freshly-fallen snow.

Isaiah 2^2-5Isaiah 2.2-5

The time will come when the mountain of the temple of the Lord will be established as the greatest of all mountains, high above the hills. People of all nations will say, ‘The teaching of the Lord comes from Mount Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. So let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, to learn there how to walk in the right path.’ Then the Lord will bring justice and peace to the nations. They will take their weapons of war, their swords and their spears, and they will re-work them into ploughs and pruning-hooks. No longer will nation lift up sword against nation; neither will they learn war any more. So come, O people of Jacob; let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Isaiah 5^1-7Isaiah 5.1-7

Let me sing a love-song for my vineyard. On a fertile hill, I dug the ground, cleared the stones, and planted the choicest vines. I dug a wine-press, and built a tower, and I expected the finest grapes. But when the fruit came, it was bitter. So now, people of Judah and Jerusalem, judge between me and my vineyard. What more could I have done for my vineyard? And yet it yielded only bitterness. So now, I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and break down its wall, and it will be destroyed, and trampled down. I will make it a waste-land. No longer will it be pruned or tended. It will be overgrown with brambles and thorns. I will order the clouds to give it no rain. And my vineyard is the people I had called to myself, says the Lord. And they are the vines that I planted and cherished. But when I looked for justice, I saw bloodshed. When I looked for righteousness, I heard cries of distress.

Isaiah 6^1-8Isaiah 6.1-8

It was in the year that King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord, sitting on a high throne, in robes that filled the temple. Angels, around the Lord, called out to one another, saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord almighty; the whole earth is filled with the glory of the Lord.’ Their voices shook the very foundations of the temple, and the temple was filled with smoke. I said: ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live amongst a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord almighty!’ Then one of the angels flew to me, and touched my lips with a burning coal that had been taken from the altar, saying, ‘Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt is removed, and you are forgiven.’ Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Is there anyone I can send?’ And I said, ‘Here I am; send me.’

Isaiah 7^10-14Isaiah 7.10-14

The Lord said to Ahaz, ‘Ask for a sign from the Lord your God. Let it be as deep as the underworld, or as high as heaven.’ But Ahaz replied, ‘I will not ask for a sign, for I will not put the Lord to the test.’ Now hear this, you people of David. You try the patience of mortals. You even try the patience of God! And yet the Lord will indeed give you a sign. A young woman will bear a son, and name him Emmanuel, which means, “God is with us”.

Isaiah 9^1-4Isaiah 9.1-4

O land of Zebulun and Naftali, on the shores of Galilee, beyond the Jordan, amongst the other nations: you have suffered anguish, affliction, and despair; but you will be raised to glory. You have walked in darkness, but you will see a great light. You have lived in a land of deep darkness, but on you, the light will shine. You will enlarge the nation; and there will be joy like the joy on the day of the harvest, or on the day when the enemy is driven away. For the bar across your shoulders, and the power of your oppressor, will be broken.

Isaiah 9^2,6-7aIsaiah 9.2,6-7a

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. On those who dwell in the land of deep darkness - on them, the light will shine. For a child is born to us, a son to rule over us, and he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. From the throne of David, he will extend for ever his kingdom of righteousness, justice, and peace.

Isaiah 11^1-5,10aIsaiah 11.1-5,10a

A new son of David will appear. And the spirit of the Lord will be with him: the spirit of wisdom, and understanding, of authority, and strength, of knowledge, and honouring the Lord. He will not judge by appearances, but with righteousness he will bring justice for the humble, the weak, and the poor. The power of his words will shake the earth, and strike down the wicked. Righteousness and faithfulness will be his strength, and all the nations will turn to him.

Isaiah 25^6-9Isaiah 25.6-9

On this holy mountain, the Lord God will prepare for all people a feast of rich food and fine wine. The Lord will take away the cloud of darkness that hangs over peoples and nations. The Lord God will bring to an end the humiliation of the people, will wipe away the tears from all faces, and will destroy the power of death for ever. And the people will say, ‘This is the day of the Lord our God. Let us rejoice, for we trusted in God, and the day of our salvation has come.’

Isaiah 35^1-7Isaiah 35.1-7

The driest lands of the wilderness will burst into bloom, and sing for joy, to declare the glory of the Lord. The desert will be as green as forest and pasture to proclaim the majesty of God. So encourage the weak, and all who live in fear. Say to them, ‘Do not be afraid! For God is surely coming, with justice, to save you.’ On that day, the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will run like the deer, and the voiceless will sing for joy! Water will spring up in the wilderness, and rivers will flow in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, and the thirsty ground an oasis. And where the desert wild-animals once lay in wait, reeds and rushes will grow.

Isaiah 40^1-5aIsaiah 40.1-5a

Comfort my people, and speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Let her know that she has served her sentence. Her penalty is paid. She has already received, from the Lord’s hand, double for all her transgressions. And now, a voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord. Fill the valleys, level the hills, straighten the paths, and make the rough ways smooth. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed.’

Isaiah 40^27-31Isaiah 40.27-31

Do not say that the Lord does not know of your troubles, or that God is neglecting the injustice that you suffer. For the Lord, the everlasting God, is the creator of all the earth, and has insight beyond our understanding. The Lord does not faint or grow weary and will give strength to the suffering and the weak. Even the young may grow weary, and stumble, and fall. But those who trust in the Lord will find their strength renewed. They will rise up on wings like eagles. They will run, and they will endure.

Isaiah 42^1-4,6-7Isaiah 42.1-4, 6-7

‘You are my servant, my chosen’, says the Lord. ‘I uphold you, I delight in you. I will set my spirit upon you, and you will bring justice to the nations. You will not shout out, or lift up your voice. You will not break a bruised reed, or extinguish a dimly burning flame. I will sustain you, in courage and confidence, while you establish justice on earth. All the nations will look to you. I have called you to this work of justice and righteousness. I will lead you and protect you. I have given you as a covenant to the people, and as a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, and to lead the captives out of darkness into freedom and light.’

Isaiah 43^1b-3a,4a,5-7Isaiah 43.1b-3a,4a,5-7

The Lord says, ‘Do not be afraid. I have called you by name, and you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you, and your descendants, from the East, and from the West, my sons and daughters from the North and from the South. From the ends of the earth I will gather together all I created for my glory and called by my name.

Isaiah 43^15-21Isaiah 43.15-21

The Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: I am the Lord your God, the Creator of Israel, your King. I made a path for you through the mighty waters of the sea. I drew out the Egyptians behind you, chariots and horses, an army of warriors; but now they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched, like a wick. Yet now I say: recount this history no more, nor dwell on events of the past, for now I begin something new; indeed, it is already begun. Even the wild animals will honour me. I will make a safe route through the wilderness, and rivers will flow in the desert, to refresh my chosen people, the people I formed for myself; and they will declare my praise anew.

Isaiah 43^18-25,44³Isaiah 43.18-25, 44.3

Do not dwell on all that went before, or focus on times past, for now I begin something new, says the Lord; indeed, it is already begun. I will make rivers in the desert, and a safe route, with streams of water, through the wilderness. Even the wild animals will honour me, when I put springs of water in the desert to refresh my chosen people - the people I made for myself, to declare my praise. But you have not called upon me, O Jacob. You have become weary of me, O Israel. You have not brought burnt-offerings, or honoured me with sacrifices. I have not burdened you with demands for offerings of grain, or spices. I have not wearied you with demands for precious incense. But you have still burdened me with your sins, and wearied me with your iniquities! And yet I am the one who, for my own sake, will blot out your transgressions, and remember your sin no more. And as I pour out water on the thirsty land, and make streams flow in the desert, I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

Isaiah 44^6-8Isaiah 44.6-8

The Lord of all heaven, your King and Saviour, says: ‘I am the first, and I am the last, and there is no other god. No other has established a people, long ago, or revealed what is to come. So do not be troubled or afraid, for I declared it long ago, and you are my witnesses: there is no other god, no other rock.’

Isaiah 44²⁸-45^1,4,13aIsaiah 44.28 - 45.1,4,13a

The Lord says to Cyrus of Persia: You will be my shepherd, to carry out my purposes, to rebuild Jerusalem, and to restore the temple. I anointed you as King of all Persia. I led you, and strengthened you, to suppress all the nations around you. Every king surrenders to you. Every city gate is open to you. For the sake of my servant Jacob, and my chosen people, I have called you by name, and I have given you a title of honour, even though you do not know me. I have raised you up in righteousness, to rebuild my city and to set my exiles free.

Isaiah 49^5-7Isaiah 49.5-7

The Lord called me, even before I was born, to gather Jacob and Israel back to the Lord; a great task, for which the Lord God is my strength. And now the Lord says, ‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the survivors of Israel. I will give you as a light to all nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. Amongst the nations, the powerful may despise you, reject you, and enslave you. But the day will come when kings will stand in your presence, and princes will bow down, because the Lord, the faithful, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, has chosen you.’

Isaiah 49^9-10,14-15Isaiah 49.9-10,14-15

The Lord says to Jerusalem: I led you from captivity to freedom. I gave you food along the way. I led you to pasture in the wilderness. You knew neither hunger nor thirst, as I led you, with compassion, by springs of water through the desert heat. I led you from darkness to light. And yet you continue to say, ‘The Lord has abandoned us’, and, ‘Our Lord has forgotten us’. No mother abandons her child, or forgets the infant she holds in her arms. And neither will I forget you, says the Lord.

Isaiah 50^4-9aIsaiah 50.4-9a

The Lord God has taught me wisdom, so that I may speak words of comfort to the weary. Morning by morning, the Lord God awakens me, so that I may learn wisdom as a servant of the Lord. When I face persecution and violence, I do not hide my face, or turn away. Let my accusers confront me. I will set my face like flint. For I know that the Lord God brings justice, and I will not be defeated or ashamed.

Isaiah 51^1-4Isaiah 51.1-4

I say to all who aim for righteousness, to all who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father, and Sarah who carried you. The Lord blessed them, and made you a great nation. And surely now the Lord will comfort Jerusalem once again, and will look with compassion on her ruins. The wilderness that is Jerusalem today will flourish like the Garden of Eden. And there will be joy, and gladness, thanksgiving, and song. And the word of the Lord will bring justice and light to all nations.

Isaiah 52^7-10Isaiah 52.7-10

Those who keep watch are shouting out with joy. For they see, on the mountains, the messenger approaching, bringing good news of salvation, and peace; good news of the triumph of our God. Join in their song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For all the world will see the Lord returning to Zion, with mercy and strength, declaring that your freedom has been won.

Isaiah 53^3-6Isaiah 53.3-6

He was despised and rejected. He knew anguish and pain. We counted him as worthless, as struck down by God. Yet truly he bore our anguish, and carried our pain. He was wounded for our transgressions, and crushed for our iniquities. He bore the punishment that makes us whole. And by his wounds, we are healed. Like sheep, we have gone astray, and turned, each to our own way. And the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 55^1-3Isaiah 55.1-3

Come, all who are thirsty; come to the water and drink. Come, all who are in poverty; come for grain, and milk, and wine, without money, and without cost. For you work, and you spend, but you find neither food nor fulfilment. So listen now to the word of the Lord, and you will eat, and be filled, and your soul will delight in abundance. Come to me, and hear my word. Hear my word, that you may live, says the Lord. And the Lord will make with you an everlasting covenant.

Isaiah 55^6-9Isaiah 55.6-9

Turn away from your wicked ways, and turn to the Lord, for the Lord is ready to welcome you. Turn away from your plotting for injustice, and call upon the Lord, for the Lord is near. Return to the Lord your God, for God will have mercy, and freely forgive. For the ways and the purposes of the Lord are higher than ours - as high as the heavens are above the earth.

Isaiah 55^10-13Isaiah 55.10-13

The rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it fruitful with grain, producing bread to eat, and new seed to sow. In the same way, says the Lord, the word that I speak will not return to me without accomplishing all that I intend, and succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it. And now where once there were thorns and brambles, tall and blossoming trees will grow; and this will be a memorial, an everlasting sign, to honour the name of the Lord. And you will go out with joy, and return in peace; and the trees of the field will clap their hands, and the mountains and the hills will break into song.

Isaiah 56^6-7Isaiah 56.6-7

People of every nation will come to love and serve the Lord. They will keep the sabbath, and trust in the Lord’s covenant. And I will welcome them, here on my holy mountain, says the Lord; and they will be joyful in my house of prayer. Their offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar. And my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.

Isaiah 58^1b,3b-9aIsaiah 58.1b,3b-9a

The Lord says to the people of Jacob: I see your rebellion, and I know your transgressions. On the day of holy fasting and prayer, you serve your own interests, you oppress your workers, and you quarrel, and fight. This is not the fasting that will make your voice heard on high. If you deny yourself, bow your head, and lie down in sackcloth and ashes, even this is not the fasting that I honour, says the Lord. The fast that I honour is to remove the bonds of injustice, and to let the oppressed go free. The fast that I honour is to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the homeless poor into your house, and not to hide away from the needs of those around you. When this becomes your fast, then your light and your healing will come, your righteousness will lead you on, and the glory of the Lord will protect you. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer. You will cry for help, and the Lord will hear.

Isaiah 58^9-14Isaiah 58.9-14

If you remove the heavy burdens from the weary amongst you, if you offer food to the hungry, and address the needs of those who are suffering, and if you refrain from pointing the finger and speaking wickedness, then your light will rise in the darkness, your gloom will become like the brightness of the midday sun, and when you cry for help, the Lord will answer. Then the Lord will guide you, provide for you, and strengthen you. Then you will flourish like a garden, by a stream that never runs dry. Then you will rebuild the city from its ruins, restoring its walls and its homes. If you honour the sabbath, and call the Lord’s day a delight, not trampling its dignity by serving your own interests, or pursuing your own affairs, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and in all the gifts that the Lord has given.

Isaiah 60^1-3,5b-6Isaiah 60.1-3,5b-6

Arise, and shine, for your light has come; and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. A deep darkness will cover the earth and its peoples; but over you, the glory of the Lord will rise like the sun. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. The wealth of the nations, and the riches of the oceans, will come to you. Camels, from Egypt, and Arabia, will fill the land. They will bring gold and frankincense, and they will proclaim the praise of the Lord.

Isaiah 61^1-2,10-11Isaiah 61.1-2, 10-11

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, the lowly, and the afflicted; to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to bind up the broken-hearted, and to comfort those who mourn; to declare the day of God’s justice, and the year of the Lord’s favour. So let us rejoice, and sing praise to the Lord our God. For as bride and groom are prepared in fine clothes for their wedding, so the Lord has clothed us with salvation and righteousness. And as a garden flourishes in the spring-time, so the Lord God will make righteousness and praise flourish in every nation.

Isaiah 62^1-4Isaiah 62.1-4

For your sake, O Zion, I will not keep silent; and for your sake, O Jerusalem, I will not rest, says the Lord, until your righteousness shines out like the dawn, and your salvation like a beacon in the night. All kings, all nations, will see your glory. You will be a royal crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord your God. And the Lord will give you a new name. You will no longer be called “forsaken”. And your land will no longer be called “desolate”. You will be called “the delight of the Lord”. And your land will be called “the bride of the Lord”. For the Lord delights in you.

Isaiah 63^{18 - 64.9}Isaiah 63.18 - 64.9

Tear open the heavens, O Lord, and come down, like a raging fire. Let the mountains break apart at your presence, so that all the nations tremble, and even your enemies will know your name. From ancient times, no eye has seen, no ear has heard, any God but you. You rescue those who trust in you. You welcome all who gladly do right. But now our transgressions have aroused your anger. Our enemies have destroyed your sanctuary. And we have become like a people that has never known you; like a people that has never been called by your name. Even our most righteous deeds are like a filthy garment before you. We fade like a fallen leaf, and our own iniquities sweep us away, like the wind. There is no one left amongst us who calls on your name, or pleads with you for mercy. You have turned your face away from us, and abandoned us to our iniquity. And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. You are the potter, and we are the clay. You made us; we are the work of your hands. We are your people, O Lord. Do not be angry with us beyond measure, or remember our iniquity for ever.

Isaiah 65^2-5,8Isaiah 65.2-5,8

I call out, even to a people that does not call to me, says the Lord. I hold out my hand to them, even though they are a people in rebellion against me. They walk in wicked ways; they provoke me continually, sacrificing in gardens, burning incense on bricks, dwelling amongst the tombs, eating forbidden foods, then claiming to be so holy that others must not come near. They irritate like smoke in my nostrils from a fire that burns all day long! And yet, for the sake of the good that remains in them, I will not destroy them, says the Lord.

Isaiah 65^17-19Isaiah 65.17-19

I will create new heavens, and a new earth, says the Lord. And the former things will be remembered no more. Be glad and rejoice for ever in my new creation. And I myself will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people. And the sound of weeping will be heard no more.

Isaiah 66^10-14aIsaiah 66.10-14a

Sing for joy with all Jerusalem! All who love her, rejoice! Mourn no longer, for she will be great once again! And you will be comforted, like a child in a mother’s embrace! For the Lord will grant her peace like a river, and the glory of the nations! As a mother comforts her child, so the Lord will comfort you, in Jerusalem. You will be carried on her arm, and held in her lap. When you see it, your heart will rejoice, and you will flourish like the tender grass. And all who serve the Lord will know that the hand of the Lord is with them.

Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1^4-10Jeremiah 1.4-10

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before you were even born, I chose you, and I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.’ And I said, ‘O Lord, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a child.’ But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not be afraid, and do not say that you are only a child, for I am with you to protect you, and you will speak my word to many nations.’ Then the Lord touched my lips, and said, ‘Now I have put my words into your mouth. See, today I appoint you over kingdoms and nations, to uproot, and overthrow, destroy, and tear down, build up, and plant anew.’

Jeremiah 1^17-19Jeremiah 1.17-19

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Make yourself ready to stand up and proclaim the whole of the message that I give to you. Do not be afraid, for I will make you strong like a fortified city, like a pillar of iron, like a wall of bronze, to challenge the whole of the land of Judah: to challenge the kings, and the princes, the priests, and the people. They will fight against you; but they will not prevail against you, for I am with you, and I will deliver you,’ says the Lord.

Jeremiah 11^18-20Jeremiah 11.18-20

Like a lamb, I was led to the slaughter. For I did not know that it was against me that they were devising their evil schemes, until the Lord made it known to me. They were saying, ‘Let us destroy both the tree and its fruit. Let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that even his name will be remembered no more!’ But you, O Lord of hosts - you are the one who judges righteously. You examine the heart and the mind. Let me see your judgement upon them, for I have committed my cause to you.

Jeremiah 14^{7-8a,9b,21,22b}Jeremiah 14.7-8a,9b,21,22b

Help us, O Lord, for you are the hope of Israel, our saviour in time of trouble. We know that we have rebelled against you. Our trespasses are many, and our offences cry out to you. But you, O Lord, are amongst us, and we are called by your name. Do not reject us, or dishonour your glorious throne, but for the sake of your name, remember the covenant you made with us. We set our hope on you alone, O Lord our God.

Jeremiah 15^16-21Jeremiah 15.16-21

In my despair, I cried out to the Lord, ‘O Lord, you have become to me like a river that has run dry. My pain is unending, a wound that will not heal. Under the weight of the burden that you have placed upon me, I sit alone, filled with bitterness, far away from any celebration or feast.’ And the Lord responded to my cry, saying, ‘If you return to me, I will restore you, and you will stand in my presence once again. You will serve as my voice, and the people will turn to you. When they turn against you, I will protect you, like a wall of bronze; and I will be with you, to save you, and to deliver you.’ And now, O Lord, to serve you is once again my delight; for your words are my nourishment, and the joy of my heart.

Jeremiah 17^5-8Jeremiah 17.5-8

Tragedy awaits those who place their trust in mortals, for they take human flesh as their strength, and they turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like dried out plants in the desert. They will not live to see the day of relief and prosperity. But blessed are those who place their trust in the Lord. They are like trees planted by water, with roots in the flowing stream. They need not fear the scorching heat, for even in the year of drought, their leaves will be green, and their fruit will be plentiful.

Jeremiah 20^9-11aJeremiah 20.9-11a

I cannot hold back from proclaiming the Lord, or from speaking in the name of the Lord. The word of the Lord is like a fire in my bones, and I am powerless to hold it in. I am surrounded by those who denounce me. They watch for the opportunity to take their revenge. But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior, and those who work against me will not prevail.

Jeremiah 23^1-6Jeremiah 23.1-6

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture, says the Lord. You are the shepherds of my people, but you have not attended to them, says the Lord, the God of Israel; you have scattered them, and driven them away. Now I will attend to you, for the evil you have done, says the Lord. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them. I will bring them back to their sheep-fold, and they will flourish, and become many, once again. I will raise up shepherds who will care for them. They will no longer be afraid, and none will be lost. And the days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up a new son of David, who will reign as king, with wisdom, justice, and righteousness. Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell in safety. And his name will be: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

Jeremiah 23^25-29Jeremiah 23.25-29

I have heard the false prophets, who speak lies and delusions in my name, says the Lord. Like those who went before them, they make my people forget my name, by the lies that they tell one another. Let the prophets who have delusions tell their delusions - but let the prophets who have my word proclaim it with confidence. They differ like straw from grain, for my word is like fire, or like a hammer that breaks a rock into pieces, says the Lord.

Jeremiah 28^1-9,14aJeremiah 28.1-9,14a

The prophet Hanan-iah announced, in the temple, that within two years, the heavy burden imposed by the king of Babylon would be removed; and the exiles, and the treasures of the temple, would return from Babylon to Jerusalem. Jeremiah said, ‘May the Lord indeed fulfil the words that you have spoken, and bring back to this place the treasures of the temple, and all the exiles. But listen now to these words that I speak to you, and to all the people. From ancient times, the prophets have spoken to many great kingdoms and nations, of famine, disease, and war. But when a prophet brings words of comfort, and peace, only when the words of that prophet come true will it be known that the Lord has truly sent a prophet. For this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, truly says: Beware, for this nation will continue to be in chains, serving the King of Babylon, who will rule with a rod of iron.’

Jeremiah 31^7-9Jeremiah 31.7-9

Sing aloud, with joy, for the nation; even as you pray, ‘Save us, O Lord, the last of your people.’ For the Lord says this: ‘I will gather them in, from the lands of the north, and from far away, a great multitude; amongst them the blind, and the lame, expectant mothers, and those in labour. All together, a great assembly, they will return here. Weeping, and praying, they will be gathered in. And I will lead them by streams of water, on a level path, where they will stumble no more. For I am the father of all my people, and I care for the young and the weak like I care for my first-born.

Jeremiah 31^31-34Jeremiah 31.31-34

The days are coming when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel, and the people of Judah, says the Lord. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors, when I led them out of Egypt - a covenant they have broken. But this is the new covenant that I will make with them, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people; and all will know me, from the greatest to the least; and I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their transgressions no more.

Jeremiah 33^14-16Jeremiah 33.14-16

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the people of Israel and the house of Judah. For I will raise up a new Son of David, who will bring justice and righteousness to the land. In those days, Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. And they will declare that the Lord is their justice, their righteousness, and their salvation.

Lamentations

Lamentations 3^22-33Lamentations 3.22-33

New every morning are the love and the mercy of the Lord - steadfast, and unending. We can place all our hope and trust in the Lord, for our Lord is faithful. The Lord is our inheritance, and all that we need. We may have knelt, alone, in prayer, under persecution and insult, affliction and grief. But the Lord honours those who seek the Lord, and wait patiently for salvation. And we can trust that we shall know, once again, the steadfast love and mercy of the Lord.

Ezekiel

Ezekiel 1^28b-2⁵Ezekiel 1.28b - 2.5

The heavens opened, and I saw visions of God. I bowed down, with my face to the ground. But a voice said, ‘Stand up, and I will speak with you.’ The Spirit entered into me, and set me on my feet. And the voice said, ‘I am sending you to my people, who have become a nation of rebels, shameless, and stubborn. For generations, they have rebelled against me. I am sending you to speak to them in the name of the Lord God. And whether they hear, or refuse to hear, they will know that there has been a prophet amongst them.’

Ezekiel 17^22-24Ezekiel 17.22-24

I will take a cutting from the top of a flourishing tree, says the Lord. And I will plant it high in the mountains of Jerusalem. There it will grow, and put out branches and bear fruit. Every kind of bird will come and nest in its branches. And every tree will know that I am the Lord, the one who can make the green tree wither and the dry tree flourish, the one who can take down the mighty, and raise up the lowly.

Ezekiel 18^21-25Ezekiel 18.21-25

When the righteous turn away from all that is good, and instead practice wickedness, their former good deeds will be forgotten, and they will die in their wickedness, says the Lord. But if the wicked turn away from the wrongs they have done, and instead practice righteousness, doing all that is good, their former wickedness will not be held against them, and they will surely live, says the Lord. I hear the people of Israel say that in this, the Lord is unfair. But the Lord says this: I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their wickedness and live.

Ezekiel 33^7-9Ezekiel 33.7-9

The Lord said to the prophet Ezekiel: I have called you to serve my people like the one who serves the city by keeping watch, from the city walls, to warn of approaching danger. You must warn the people now to turn from their wicked ways. If you do not warn them, they will die in their transgressions, and their blood will be on your hands. But if you do warn them, and they still do not turn from their wicked ways, they will die in their rebellion, but your life will be saved.

Ezekiel 34^11-16,20-24Ezekiel 34.11-16,20-24

My sheep were scattered on a day of great darkness. But like a shepherd, I will search for my sheep, and rescue them, says the Lord. From the nations I will gather them, and I will bring them to their own land. I will feed them with good pasture on the mountains; and where broad rivers flow, they will find their rest. I will seek the lost, and bring back the strayed. I will bind up the injured, and strengthen the weak. But the strong I will feed with justice, when I judge between the strong and the hungry; for it was the strong that drove the weak away. So I will rescue my sheep, and judge between them. And I, the Lord, will be their God; and my servant David will be their shepherd, and their king.

Ezekiel 37^11-14Ezekiel 37.11-14

The people are saying, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is gone.’ But the Lord God says, ‘I will bring you up from your graves. I will put my spirit within you, and you will live. And I will lead you back to the promised land. And then you will know that I am the Lord.’

Daniel

Daniel 7^9-10,13-14Daniel 7.9-10, 13-14

As I watched, thrones were set in place. Then, with hair like wool, and in robes of dazzling white, the Eternal One appeared, and was seated on a throne of flames, surrounded by a great multitude of attendants, with even more standing by. Then the court assembled, and the books were opened. And as I watched, one like a Son of Man appeared in the clouds of heaven, and was presented to the Eternal One, to receive glory and honour, and the service of every nation, people, and language; glory that will last for ever, and a kingdom that will never pass away.

Daniel 9^3-6,17-19Daniel 9.3-6,17-19

With Jerusalem lying in ruins, I, Daniel, turned to the Lord God to plead in prayer, with fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. And I prayed to the Lord my God, making confession, and saying, ‘O Lord, great and awesome God, you keep your covenant, in steadfast love, towards those who love you, and keep your commandments. But we have sinned, and done wrong. We have acted wickedly, and rebelled. We have turned aside from your commandments and decrees. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who have spoken in your name, in every generation. O Lord our God, hear the prayer of your servant; and for your own sake, O Lord, look with pity upon the desolate ruins of your holy temple. Hear my cry, O Lord our God, and look upon the desolation of the people, and the city, that bear your name. In this our plea, we trust not in our righteousness, but in your great mercy. Hear, O Lord, and forgive; and for your own sake, O Lord my God, act, and do not delay; for the city, and the people, bear your name.’

Daniel 12^1-3Daniel 12.1-3

When the nation faces its greatest distress - greater than any since the nations first came into being - Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, will arise. And your people will be saved; all those whose names are recorded in the book. Many who have died will awake to judgement - some to shame and disgrace, and some to everlasting life. Those who have been wise will shine with the brightness of heaven. And those who have led others in the ways of righteousness will shine, for ever, like the stars.

Hosea

Hosea 2^14-15a,19-23Hosea 2.14-15a,19-23

Even though my people have been unfaithful, I will speak to them with tenderness, says the Lord. I will give them fruitful vineyards in the wilderness. I will lead them to a new hope, and a new beginning, at the very place where they first entered the promised land. I will renew my covenant with them, in faithfulness, mercy, and steadfast love. I will say to them, ‘You are my people’. And the people will reply, ‘and you are our God’. And the heavens, and the earth, and the harvest, will rejoice together.

Hosea 6^3b-6Hosea 6.3b-6

The presence of the Lord is as certain as the rising of the sun. And the Lord will come to us like the spring rains that water the earth. Yet the Lord says, ‘What shall I do with you, my people? For your compassion disappears, like the dew, and like the morning mist. I send you my words, to cut you to the heart. I send you my judgements, blazing like the sun. Then I see your sacrifices, and I see your burnt-offerings. But what I long to see is compassion, and for my people to know their God.’

Amos

Amos 5^6-7,10-15Amos 5.6-7, 10-15

Now is the time to seek the Lord, and live. For the Lord is preparing to sweep through the nation like a fire. For you replace justice with poison, and you trample righteousness to the ground. You despise those who challenge you, and all who speak the truth. And you trample on the poor, with taxes on all that they produce. And so, the Lord says this: you have built fine stone houses, but you will not live in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you will not drink their wine. For I know all your offences, and the number of your crimes: how you take bribes, persecute the innocent, and deny justice to the needy. The prudent say nothing, for it is indeed an evil time. You say that the Lord God is with you - so turn to pursue good, and not evil, that the Lord God may indeed be with you, and you may live! Hate all that is evil, love all that is good, establish justice in your courts, and the Lord God of hosts may yet have mercy upon you!

Amos 6^1,4-7Amos 6.1,4-7

Leaders of the nation - all of Israel looks to you! In Jerusalem you take your rest; in Samaria you feel secure. You lounge on your couches made of ivory. You feast on veal and lamb. You make music, and sing your idle songs. You anoint yourselves with oil, and drink wine by the bowl. And you are unmoved by the destruction that has come upon the tribes of the north. So hear this, you leaders of the nation: your revelry will end when you are the first to be taken away into exile!

Amos 7^7-15Amos 7.7-15

In a vision, Amos saw a master-builder, using a plumb-line to inspect the condition of a wall. And the Lord said to Amos, ‘I have also inspected my people Israel, and found them to be untrue. And so, the high places will be made desolate, the sanctuaries will lie in ruins, and I will rise up with the sword against the king.’ So Amos spoke to the people, as the Lord had commanded, saying, ‘The king will die by the sword, and all Israel will be sent into exile, away from this land.’ The priest of Bethel sent a message to the king, saying, ‘The prophet Amos is conspiring against you, right here at the heart of the house of Israel!’ And the same priest said to Amos, ‘Get away from this place, to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there, and work as a prophet there. But never again speak here at Bethel, for this is the temple of the kingdom, and the sanctuary of the king.’ But Amos said, ‘I am no prophet, and no son of a prophet. I am a farmer: I follow the cattle, and tend fig trees. But the Lord came to me, and told me to speak these words to the people of Israel.’

Amos 8^4-7Amos 8.4-7

Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring the poor of the land to ruin! You long for the new moon holiday to be over, you long for the sabbath to end, so that you can return to trading in wheat and grain, with your dishonest balances, measures, and weights, and the chaff still in with the wheat. With your silver you buy the poor; and you enslave the needy for a single pair of shoes. The Lord has sworn, by the honour of Jacob: I will not forget your deeds.

Jonah

Jonah 3^1-10Jonah 3.1-10

The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh, and declare there the message that I have given you.’ Jonah set out, and went to Nineveh, as the Lord had spoken. Nineveh was a city so large that it would take three days to walk across it. Jonah entered the city, going a day’s walk, announcing, ‘Forty days more, and Nineveh will be destroyed!’ The people believed the word of God, declared a fast, and put on sackcloth - all the people of Nineveh, from the greatest to the least. When news reached the king of Nineveh, the king also put on sackcloth, and ordered that all should join the fast, and cry out to God in prayer, and turn away from their evil and violent ways. And when God saw all that they did, and how they turned from their evil ways, God resolved not to bring about the calamity that had been declared against them.

Micah

Micah 3^5-12Micah 3.5-12

False prophets are leading the people astray. They promise peace to anyone who will feed them, and threaten war to those who will not. But they have no vision, or revelation, or word from God. And now they will be disgraced and put to shame, says the Lord. For the spirit of the Lord has come upon me with great power, to pronounce judgement on the transgressions of the nation. Your rulers hate justice, and distort the truth. You build the city with wickedness, and Jerusalem with bloodshed. Your judges take bribes. Your priests and your prophets serve not God but those who pay them. And still you say, ‘Surely the Lord is with us! No harm will come upon us!’ But it is because of you that Zion will be ploughed like a field, and Jerusalem, even the Temple Mount, will be in ruins, and overgrown.

Micah 4^1-3Micah 4.1-3

The time will come when the mountain of the temple of the Lord will be established as the greatest of all mountains, high above the hills. People of all nations will say, ‘The teaching of the Lord comes from Mount Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. So let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, to learn there how to walk in the right path.’ Then the Lord will bring justice and peace to the nations. They will take their weapons of war, their swords and their spears, and they will re-work them into ploughs and pruning-hooks. No longer will nation lift up sword against nation; neither will they learn war any more.

Micah 5^2-5aMicah 5.2-5a

You, O Bethlehem, are one of the smallest of all the clans of Judah. And yet from you will come the one who is to rule for me in all Israel, whose origin is long ago, in ancient days, says the Lord. Israel will be desolate until the mother brings forth this child. But then all Israel will be gathered together. And this child will stand tall, and tend the flock, as a good shepherd, in the strength of the Lord, and in the majesty of the name of the Lord God. And the people will dwell in peace.

Micah 6^6-8Micah 6.6-8

What shall I bring, as an offering, to the Lord, as I bow down before God most high? Shall I bring burnt-offerings, calves a year old, thousands of rams, rivers of oil, or even my firstborn, the fruit of my body, for the transgressions of my soul? No, for the offering the Lord requires of us is this: to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.

Habakkuk

Habakkuk 1^2-4,2^2-4Habakkuk 1.2-4; 2.2-4

I cried out to the Lord, ‘How long, O Lord, must I cry to you for help? All around, there is destruction, violence, conflict, and distress. Justice and law have broken down, and the wicked overpower the righteous.’ And the Lord answered me, saying, ‘Write this message in letters so large that even a runner can see: “Keep the faith! For there will be justice at the appointed time. The arrogant, and the powerful, will fall. But the righteous, and the faithful, will live!”’

Zephaniah

Zephaniah 1^7a,12-16,18Zephaniah 1.7a,12-16,18

Be silent now, in the presence of God, for the great day of the Lord is at hand, approaching fast; a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness, with trumpet blast, and battle cry, against the fortified cities, and the highest city walls. The Lord will search all Jerusalem, to seek out those who have started to believe that the Lord will bring neither punishment nor reward. Their wealth will be plundered, their houses laid waste, their buildings abandoned, their vineyards left desolate. Their silver and gold will not save them, on that day when the whole earth will be consumed.

Zephaniah 3^14-20Zephaniah 3.14-20

Sing aloud, O Zion! Rejoice with all your heart, O Jerusalem! For the Lord has taken away the judgements made against you. The Lord has turned away your enemies. No more harm will come to you. Stay strong, and do not fear; for the Lord your God is with you as a mighty saviour. The Lord says, ‘I will delight in you, and sing, and rejoice. I will hold you in my constant love. I will free you from all your oppressors. I will rescue the lame, and gather in all who were driven away. I will gather you together and bring you home. And instead of shame, you will have praise, and honour, in all the earth.’

Zechariah

Zechariah 9^9-10Zechariah 9.9-10

Rejoice, O Zion, and shout aloud, O Jerusalem, for your king is here, your righteous saviour, humble, and riding on a donkey. He will banish the chariots of battle and the weapons of war. He will command peace for all nations, across the whole land, and to the ends of the earth.

Malachi

Malachi 3^1-4Malachi 3.1-4

See, I am sending my messenger ahead of me, to prepare the way, says the Lord of hosts. And indeed, the one you seek, the one you desire, the messenger of the covenant - I am, myself, coming to my temple, says the Lord. But who can endure that day? And who can stand when the Lord appears? For the Lord will come like a refiner’s fire, to purify the people, refining them like silver and gold, until their offerings are once again pleasing to the Lord.

Malachi 4^1-2aMalachi 4.1-2a

The day is coming, says the Lord, when the arrogant, and all evildoers, will be burned up like stubble. Neither root nor branch will remain. But on those who honour my name, the dawn will break, the sun will rise - the sun of righteousness - and there will be healing in its light.