The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary


Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, June 21, 1998

plus other biblical resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson


Bible Lesson Study Aids: | Current week's study aid in regular font | Current week's study aid in large font | These particular webpages were first posted Friday, 6/12/98, at 11:45 pm (USA East Coast Time). These webpages are sometimes ready by as early as 11 pm on Thursday (9 days before the Sunday for which the corresponding Bible Lesson is intended). | Current week's Concord-formatted text-file of cross-references | Current week's full text of cross-references | The cross-references are sometimes ready as early as 11 pm on Fridays (8 days before the Sunday for which the corresponding Bible Lesson is intended). Any of these may be updated at anytime.

When first posted more than a week early, this particular webpage is browsed by clicking on Next week's study aid in regular font or Next week's study aid in large font. The associated cross-references are found by clicking on Next week's Concord-formatted text-file of cross-references or Next week's full text of cross-references. These only become "This week's" on early Sunday morning, US Eastern time.

How can this Webpage and the Concord text file be helpful to you? This Bible study aid is intended to provide optional resources for the study of the weekly Bible Lesson. To find out more about this page and about the necessary Bible Lesson resources, click here.

Does this Website have any denominational or organizational affliliation? No, the BibleTexts Website is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by any church or any other organization; however, the individual solely responsible for this Website is a very active church member and is united in very genuine and meaningful fellowship with Christians of all denominations.

Acknowledgements of the Bible versions and footnotes used on this Webpage:


<GT> Psalm 93

KJV w/Strong# - {1} The LORD <03068> reigneth <04427>, he is clothed <03847> with majesty <01348>; the LORD <03068> is clothed <03847> with strength <05797>, [wherewith] he hath girded <0247> himself: the world <08398> also <0389> is stablished <03559>, that it cannot <01077> be moved <04131>.

NRSV - 1 The LORD is king, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed, he is girded with strength. He has established the world; it shall never be moved;

TEV - "God the King" - 1 The LORD is king. He is clothed with majesty and strength. The earth is set firmly in place and cannot be moved. 2 Your throne, O LORD, has been firm from the beginning, and you existed before time began. 3 The ocean depths raise their voice, O LORD; they raise their voice and roar. 4 The LORD rules supreme in heaven, greater than the roar of the ocean, more powerful than the waves of the sea. 5 Your laws are eternal, LORD, and your Temple is holy indeed, forever and ever.


<RR1> Psalm 147

KJV w/Strong# - {5} Great <01419> [is] our Lord <0113>, and of great <07227> power <03581>: his understanding <08394> [is] infinite.

{7} Sing <06030> unto the LORD <03068> with thanksgiving <08426>; sing <02167> praise upon the harp <03658> unto our God <0430>: {8} Who covereth <03680> the heaven <08064> with clouds <05645>, who prepareth <03559> rain <04306> for the earth <0776>, who maketh grass <02682> to grow <06779> upon the mountains <02022>.

{15} He sendeth <07971> forth his commandment <0565> [upon] earth <0776>: his word <01697> runneth <07323> very <05704> swiftly <04120>.

NRSV - 5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.

7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre. 8 He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, makes grass grow on the hills.

15 He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.

TEV - "In Praise of God the Almighty" - 1 Praise the LORD! It is good to sing praise to our God; it is pleasant and right to praise him. 2 The LORD is restoring Jerusalem; he is bringing back the exiles. 3 He heals the broken-hearted and bandages their wounds. 4 He has decided the number of the stars and calls each one by name. 5 Great and mighty is our Lord; his wisdom cannot be measured. 6 He raises the humble, but crushes the wicked to the ground. 7 Sing hymns of praise to the LORD; play music on the harp to our God. 8 He spreads clouds over the sky; he provides rain for the earth and makes grass grow on the hills. 9 He gives animals their food and feeds the young ravens when they call. 10 His pleasure is not in strong horses, nor his delight in brave soldiers; 11 but he takes pleasure in those who honor him, in those who trust in his constant love. 12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! 13 He keeps your gates strong; he blesses your people. 14 He keeps your borders safe and satisfies you with the finest wheat. 15 He gives a command to the earth, and what he says is quickly done. 16 He spreads snow like a blanket and scatters frost like dust. 17 He sends hail like gravel; no one can endure the cold he sends! 18 Then he gives a command, and the ice melts; he sends the wind, and the water flows.


<RR2> Psalm 33

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Rejoice <07442> in the LORD <03068>, O ye righteous <06662>: [for] praise <08416> is comely <05000> for the upright <03477>.

{4} For the word <01697> of the LORD <03068> [is] right <03477>; and all <03605> his works <04640> [are done] in truth <0530>. {5} He loveth <0157> righteousness <06666> and judgment <04941>: the earth <0776> is full <04390> of the goodness <02617> of the LORD <03068>. {6} By the word <01697> of the LORD <03068> were the heavens <08064> made <06213>; and all <03605> the host <06635> of them by the breath <07307> of his mouth <06310>. {7} He gathereth <03664> the waters <04325> of the sea <03220> together as an heap <05067>: he layeth <05414> up the depth <08415> in storehouses <0214>. {8} Let all <03605> the earth <0776> fear <03372> the LORD <03068>: let all <03605> the inhabitants <03427> of the world <08398> stand <01481> in awe <01481> of him. {9} For he spake <0559>, and it was [done]; he commanded <06680>, and it stood <05975> fast.

NRSV - 1 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous. Praise befits the upright.

4 For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. 6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathered the waters of the sea as in a bottle; he put the deeps in storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

TEV - "A Song of Praise" - 1 All you that are righteous, shout for joy for what the LORD has done; praise him, all you that obey him. 2 Give thanks to the LORD with harps, sing to him with stringed instruments. 3 Sing a new song to him, play the harp with skill, and shout for joy! 4 The words of the LORD are true, and all his works are dependable. 5 The LORD loves what is righteous and just; his constant love fills the earth. 6 The LORD created the heavens by his command, the sun, moon, and stars by his spoken word. 7 He gathered all the seas into one place; he shut up the ocean depths in storerooms. 8 Worship the LORD, all the earth! Honor him, all peoples of the world! 9 When he spoke, the world was created; at his command everything appeared. 10 The LORD frustrates the purposes of the nations; he keeps them from carrying out their plans. 11 But his plans endure forever; his purposes last eternally. 12 Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD; happy are the people he has chosen for his own!


[********** 1 **********]

<B1> Job 13

KJV w/Strong# - {3} Surely <0199> I would speak <01696> to the Almighty <07706>, and I desire <02654> to reason <03198> with God <0410>.

NRSV - 3 But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God.

TEV - "The First Dialogue" - 1...2 Everything you say, I have heard before. I understand it all; I know as much as you do. I'm not your inferior. 3 But my dispute is with God, not you; I want to argue my case with him. 4 You cover up your ignorance with lies; you are like doctors who can't heal anyone. 5 Say nothing, and someone may think you are wise!


<B2> Job 9

KJV w/Strong# - {4} [He is] wise <02450> in heart <03824>, and mighty <0533> in strength <03581>:...

{8} Which alone <0905> spreadeth <05186> out the heavens <08064>, and treadeth <01869> upon the waves <01116> of the sea <03220>. {9} Which maketh <06213> Arcturus <05906>, Orion <03685>, and Pleiades <03598>, and the chambers <02315> of the south <08486>. {10} Which doeth <06213> great <01419> things past <0369> finding <02714> out; yea, and wonders <06381> without number <04557>.

NRSV - 4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength...

8 who alone stretched out the heavens and trampled the waves of the Sea; 9 who made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the chambers of the south; 10 who does great things beyond understanding, and marvelous things without number.

TEV - "The First Dialogue" - 1...2 Yes, I've heard all that before. But how can a man win his case against God? 3 How can anyone argue with him? He can ask a thousand questions that no one could ever answer. 4 God is so wise and powerful; no man can stand up against him. 5 Without warning he moves mountains and in anger he destroys them. 6 God sends earthquakes and shakes the ground; he rocks the pillars that support the earth. 7 He can keep the sun from rising, and the stars from shining at night. 8 No one helped God spread out the heavens or trample the sea monster's back. 9 God hung the stars in the sky -- the Dipper, Orion, the Pleiades, and the stars of the south. 10 We cannot understand the great things he does, and to his miracles there is no end. 11 God passes by, but I cannot see him.


<B3> Job 28

KJV w/Strong# - {5} [As for] the earth <0776>, out of it cometh <03318> bread <03899>: and under <08478> it is turned <02015> up as it were fire <0784>. {6} The stones <068> of it [are] the place <04725> of sapphires <05601>: and it hath dust <06083> of gold <02091>.

{12} But where <0370> shall wisdom <02451> be found <04672>? and where [is] the place <04725> of understanding <0998>?

{14} The depth <08415> saith <0559>, It [is] not in me: and the sea <03220> saith <0559>, [It is] not with me.

{23} God <0430> understandeth <0995> the way <01870> thereof, and he knoweth <03045> the place <04725> thereof. {24} For he looketh <05027> to the ends <07098> of the earth <0776>, [and] seeth <07200> under <08478> the whole <03605> heaven <08064>;

NRSV - 5 As for the earth, out of it comes bread; but underneath it is turned up as by fire. 6 Its stones are the place of sapphires, and its dust contains gold.

12 "But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?

14 The deep says, "It is not in me,' and the sea says, "It is not with me.'

23 "God understands the way to it, and he knows its place. 24 For he looks to the ends of the earth, and sees everything under the heavens.

TEV - "In Praise of Wisdom" - 5 Food grows out of the earth, but underneath the same earth all is torn up and crushed. 6 The stones of the earth contain sapphires, and its dust contains gold. 7 No hawk sees the roads to the mines, And no vulture ever flies over them. 8 No lion or other fierce beast Ever travels those lonely roads. 9 Men dig the hardest rocks, Dig mountains away at their base. 10 As they tunnel through the rocks, They discover precious stones. 11 They dig to the sources of rivers And bring to light what is hidden. 12 But where can wisdom be found? Where can we learn to understand? 13 Wisdom is not to be found among men; No one knows its true value. 14 The depths of the oceans and seas say that wisdom is not found there. 15 It cannot be bought with silver or gold. 16 The finest gold and jewels Cannot equal its value. 17 It is worth more than gold, Than a gold vase or finest glass. 18 The value of wisdom is more Than coral or crystal or rubies. 19 The finest topaz and the purest gold Cannot compare with the value of wisdom.

23 God alone knows the way, knows the place where wisdom is found, 24 Because he sees the ends of the earth, sees everything under the sky. 25 When God gave the wind its power And determined the size of the sea; 26 When God decided where the rain would fall, And the path that the thunderclouds travel; 27 It was then he saw wisdom and tested its worth -- He gave it his approval. 28 God said to men, "To be wise, you must have reverence for the Lord. To understand, you must turn from evil."


<B4> Amos 4

KJV w/Strong# - {13} For, lo <02009>, he that formeth <03335> the mountains <02022>, and createth <01254> the wind <07307>, and declareth <05046> unto man <0120> what <04100> [is] his thought <07807>, that maketh <06213> the morning <07837> darkness <05890>, and treadeth <01869> upon the high <01116> places of the earth <0776>, The LORD <03068>, The God <0430> of hosts <06635>, [is] his name <08034>.

NRSV - 13 For lo, the one who forms the mountains, creates the wind, reveals his thoughts to mortals, makes the morning darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth -- the LORD, the God of hosts, is his name!

TEV - "Israel's Failure to Learn" - 13 God is the one who made the mountains and created the winds. He makes his thoughts known to man; he changes day into night. He walks on the heights of the earth. This is his name: the LORD God Almighty!


[********** 2 **********]

<B5> Jeremiah 32

KJV w/Strong# - {17} Ah <0162> Lord <0136> GOD <03069>! behold <02009>, thou hast made <06213> the heaven <08064> and the earth <0776> by thy great <01419> power <03581> and stretched <05186> out arm <02220>, [and] there is nothing too hard <06381> for thee:

NRSV - 17 Ah Lord GOD! It is you who made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.

TEV - "Jeremiah's Prayer" - 16 After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch, I prayed, 17 "Sovereign LORD, you made the earth and the sky by your great power and might; nothing is too difficult for you. 18 You have shown constant love to thousands, but you also punish people for the sins of their parents. You are a great and powerful God; you are the LORD Almighty. 19 You make wise plans and do mighty things; you see everything that people do, and you reward them according to their actions. 20 Long ago you performed miracles and wonders in Egypt, and you have continued to perform them to this day, both in Israel and among all the other nations, so that you are now known everywhere. 21 By means of miracles and wonders that terrified our enemies, you used your power and might to bring your people Israel out of Egypt.


<B6> Isaiah 38

KJV w/Strong# - {1} In those <01992> days <03117> was Hezekiah <02396> sick <02470> unto death <04191>...

{2} Then Hezekiah <02396> turned <05437> his face <06440> toward <0413> the wall <07023>, and prayed <06419> unto the LORD <03068>, {3} And said <0559>, Remember <02142> now <04994>, O LORD <03068>, I beseech <0577> thee, how <0834> I have walked <01980> before <06440> thee in truth <0571> and with a perfect <08003> heart <03820>, and have done <06213> [that which is] good <02896> in thy sight <05869>. And Hezekiah <02396> wept <01058> sore <01419>. {4} Then came <01961> the word <01697> of the LORD <03068> to Isaiah <03470>, saying <0559>, {5} Go <01980>, and say <0559> to Hezekiah <02396>, Thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068>, the God <0430> of David <01732> thy father <01>, I have heard <08085> thy prayer <08605>, I have seen <07200> thy tears <01832>: behold <02005>, I will add <03254> unto thy days <03117> fifteen <06240> years <08141>. {6} And I will deliver <05337> thee and this <02063> city <05892> out of the hand <03709> of the king <04428> of Assyria <0804>: and I will defend <01598> this <02063> city <05892>. {7} And this <02088> [shall be] a sign <0226> unto thee from the LORD <03068>, that the LORD <03068> will do <06213> this <02088> thing <01697> that he hath spoken <01696>; {8} Behold <02005>, I will bring <07725> again <07725> the shadow <06738> of the degrees <04609>, which <0834> is gone <03381> down in the sun <08121> dial <04609> of Ahaz <0271>, ten <06235> degrees <04609> backward <0322>. So the sun <08121> returned <07725> ten <06235> degrees <04609>, by which degrees <04609> it was gone <03381> down. {9} The writing <04385> of Hezekiah <02396> king <04428> of Judah <03063>, when he had been sick <02470>, and was recovered <02421> of his sickness <02483>:

{15} What <04100> shall I say <01696>? he hath both spoken <0559> unto me, and himself <01931> hath done <06213> [it]:...

NRSV - 1 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death...

2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the LORD: 3 "Remember now, O LORD, I implore you, how I have walked before you in faithfulness with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: 5 "Go and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the LORD, the God of your ancestor David: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. 6 I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and defend this city. 7 "This is the sign to you from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he has promised: 8 See, I will make the shadow cast by the declining sun on the dial of Ahaz turn back ten steps." So the sun turned back on the dial the ten steps by which it had declined. 9 A writing of King Hezekiah of Judah, after he had been sick and had recovered from his sickness:

15 But what can I say? For he has spoken to me, and he himself has done it...

TEV - "King Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery" - 1 About this time King Hezekiah became sick and almost died. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to see him and said to him, "The LORD tells you that you are to put everything in order because you will not recover. Get ready to die." 2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed: 3 "Remember, LORD, that I have served you faithfully and loyally, and that I have always tried to do what you wanted me to." And he began to cry bitterly. 4 Then the LORD commanded Isaiah 5 to go back to Hezekiah and say to him, "I, the LORD, the God of your ancestor David, have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will let you live fifteen years longer. 6 I will rescue you and this city of Jerusalem from the emperor of Assyria, and I will continue to protect the city." 7 Isaiah replied, "The LORD will give you a sign to prove that he will keep his promise. 8 On the stairway built by King Ahaz, the LORD will make the shadow go back ten steps." And the shadow moved back ten steps. 9 After Hezekiah recovered from his illness, he wrote this song of praise: 10 I thought that in the prime of life I was going to the world of the dead, Never to live out my life. 11 I thought that in this world of the living I would never again see the LORD Or any living person. 12 My life was cut off and ended, Like a tent that is taken down, Like cloth that is cut from a loom. I thought that God was ending my life. 13 All night I cried out with pain, As if a lion were breaking my bones. I thought that God was ending my life. 14 My voice was thin and weak, And I moaned like a dove. My eyes grew tired from looking to heaven. LORD, rescue me from all this trouble. 15 What can I say? The LORD has done this. My heart is bitter, and I cannot sleep.


<B7> Psalm 119

KJV w/Strong# - {89} For ever <05769>, O LORD <03068>, thy word <01697> is settled <05324> in heaven <08064>.

{92} Unless <03884> thy law <08451> [had been] my delights <08191>, I should then <0227> have perished <06> in mine affliction <06040>. {93} I will never forget <07911> thy precepts <06490>: for with them thou hast quickened <02421> me.

NRSV - 89 The LORD exists forever; your word is firmly fixed in heaven.

92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my misery. 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.

TEV - "Faith in the Law of the LORD" - 89 Your word, O LORD, will last forever; it is eternal in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness endures through all the ages; you have set the earth in place, and it remains. 91 All things remain to this day because of your command, because they are all your servants. 92 If your law had not been the source of my joy, I would have died from my sufferings. 93 I will never neglect your instructions, because by them you have kept me alive. 94 I am yours -- save me! I have tried to obey your commands. 95 Wicked men are waiting to kill me, but I will meditate on your laws.


[********** 3 **********]

<B8> Ecclesiastes 7

KJV w/Strong# - {29} Lo <07200>, this <02088> only <0905> have I found <04672>, that God <0430> hath made <06213> man <0120> upright <03477>; but they have sought <01245> out many <07227> inventions <02810>.

NRSV - 29 See, this alone I found, that God made human beings straightforward, but they have devised many schemes.

TEV - "Thoughts about Life" - 26 I found something more bitter than death -- woman. The love she offers you will catch you like a trap or like a net; and her arms around you will hold you like a chain. A man who pleases God can get away, but she will catch the sinner. 27 Yes, said the Philosopher, I found this out little by little while I was looking for answers. 28 I have looked for other answers but have found none. I found one man in a thousand that I could respect, but not one woman. 29 This is all that I have learned: God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.


<B9> Jeremiah 2

KJV w/Strong# - {4} Hear <08085> ye the word <01697> of the LORD <03068>, O house <01004> of Jacob <03290>, and all <03605> the families <04940> of the house <01004> of Israel <03478>: {5} Thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068>, What <04100> iniquity <05766> have your fathers <01> found <04672> in me, that they are gone far <07368> from me, and have walked <03212> after <0310> vanity <01892>, and are become <01891> vain <01891>?

{26} As the thief <01590> is ashamed <01322> when <03588> he is found <04672>, so <03651> is the house <01004> of Israel <03478> ashamed <0954>; they, their kings <04428>, their princes <08269>, and their priests <03548>, and their prophets <05030>, {27} Saying <0559> to a stock <06086>, Thou [art] my father <01>; and to a stone <068>, Thou hast brought <03205> me forth <03205>: for they have turned <06437> [their] back <06203> unto me, and not [their] face <06440>: but in the time <06256> of their trouble <07451> they will say <0559>, Arise <06965>, and save <03467> us.

NRSV - 4 Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel. 5 Thus says the LORD: What wrong did your ancestors find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthless things, and became worthless themselves?

26 As a thief is shamed when caught, so the house of Israel shall be shamed -- they, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets, 27 who say to a tree, "You are my father," and to a stone, "You gave me birth." For they have turned their backs to me, and not their faces. But in the time of their trouble they say, "Come and save us!"

TEV - "The Sin of Israel's Ancestors" - 4 Listen to the LORD's message, you descendants of Jacob, you tribes of Israel. 5 The LORD says: "What accusation did your ancestors bring against me? What made them turn away from me? They worshiped worthless idols and became worthless themselves. 6 They did not care about me, even though I rescued them from Egypt and led them through the wilderness: a land of deserts and sand pits, a dry and dangerous land where no one lives and no one will even travel.

"Israel Deserves to Be Punished" - 26 The LORD says, "Just as a thief is disgraced when caught, so all you people of Israel will be disgraced -- your kings and officials, your priests and prophets. 27 You will all be disgraced -- you that say that a tree is your father and that a rock is your mother. This will happen because you turned away from me instead of turning to me. But when you are in trouble, you ask me to come and save you.


<B10> Isaiah 45

KJV w/Strong# - {11} Thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068>, the Holy <06918> One of Israel <03478>, and his Maker <03335>, Ask <07592> me of things to come <0857> concerning <05921> my sons <01121>, and concerning <05921> the work <06467> of my hands <03027> command <06680> ye me. {12} I have made <06213> the earth <0776>, and created <01254> man <0120> upon it: I, [even] my hands <03027>, have stretched <05186> out the heavens <08064>, and all <03605> their host <06635> have I commanded <06680>.

{22} Look <06437> unto me, and be ye saved <03467>, all the ends <0657> of the earth <0776>: for I [am] God <0410>, and [there is] none <0369> else <05750>.

NRSV - 11 Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Will you question me about my children, or command me concerning the work of my hands? 12 I made the earth, and created humankind upon it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host.

22 Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.

TEV - "The LORD of Creation and History" - 9 Does a clay pot dare argue with its maker, a pot that is like all the others? Does the clay ask the potter what he is doing? Does the pot complain that its maker has no skill? 10 Does anyone dare say to his parents, "Why did you make me like this?" 11 The LORD, the holy God of Israel, the one who shapes the future, says: "You have no right to question me about my children or to tell me what I ought to do! 12 I am the one who made the earth and created mankind to live there. By my power I stretched out the heavens; I control the sun, the moon, and the stars.

"The LORD of the World and the Idols of Babylon" - 22 "Turn to me now and be saved, people all over the world! I am the only God there is. 23 My promise is true, and it will not be changed. I solemnly promise by all that I am: Everyone will come and kneel before me and vow to be loyal to me. 24 "They will say that only through me are victory and strength to be found; but all who hate me will suffer disgrace. 25 I, the LORD, will rescue all the descendants of Jacob, and they will give me praise.


<B11> Psalm 100

KJV w/Strong# - {3} Know <03045> ye that the LORD <03068> he [is] God <0430>: [it is] he [that] hath made <06213> us, and not we ourselves <0587>;...

NRSV - 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his;...

TEV - "A Hymn of Praise" - 3 Acknowledge that the LORD is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, we are his flock. 4 Enter the Temple gates with thanksgiving; go into its courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise him. 5 The LORD is good; his love is eternal and his faithfulness lasts forever.


[********** 4 **********]

<B12> Ezekiel 34

KJV w/Strong# - {11} For thus <03541> saith <0559> the Lord <0136> GOD <03069>; Behold <02005>, I, [even] I, will both search <01875> my sheep <06629>, and seek <01239> them out.

{14} I will feed <07462> them in a good <02896> pasture <04829>, and upon the high <04791> mountains <02022> of Israel <03478> shall their fold <05116> be: there <08033> shall they lie <07257> in a good <02896> fold <05116>, and [in] a fat <08082> pasture <04829> shall they feed <07462> upon the mountains <02022> of Israel <03478>.

NRSV - 11 For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.

14 I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.

TEV - "The Good Shepherd" - 11 "I, the Sovereign LORD, tell you that I myself will look for my sheep and take care of them 12 in the same way as a shepherd takes care of his sheep that were scattered and are brought together again. I will bring them back from all the places where they were scattered on that dark, disastrous day. 13 I will take them out of foreign countries, gather them together, and bring them back to their own land. I will lead them back to the mountains and the streams of Israel and will feed them in pleasant pastures. 14 I will let them graze in safety in the mountain meadows and the valleys and in all the green pastures of the land of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will find them a place to rest. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken.


<B13> Matthew 14

KJV w/Strong# - {14} And Jesus <2424> went <1831> forth <1831>, and saw <1492> a great <4183> multitude <3793>, and was moved <4697> with compassion <4697> toward <1909> them, and he healed <2323> their sick <732>. {15} And when it was evening <3798>, his disciples <3101> came <4334> to him, saying <3004>, This <3588> is a desert <2048> place <5117>, and the time <5610> is now <2235> past <3928>; send <630> the multitude <3793> away <630>, that they may go <565> into <1519> the villages <2968>, and buy <59> themselves <1438> victuals <1033>. {16} But Jesus <2424> said <2036> unto them, They need <5532> not depart <565>; give <1325> ye them to eat <5315>. {17} And they say <3004> unto him, We have <2192> here <5602> but five <4002> loaves <740>, and two <1417> fishes <2486>. {18} He said <2036>, Bring <5342> them hither <5602> to me. {19} And he commanded <2753> the multitude <3793> to sit <347> down <347> on <1909> the grass <5528>, and took <2983> the five <4002> loaves <740>, and the two <1417> fishes <2486>, and looking <308> up to heaven <3772>, he blessed <2127>, and brake <2806>, and gave <1325> the loaves <740> to [his] disciples <3101>, and the disciples <3101> to the multitude <3793>. {20} And they did all <3956> eat <5315>, and were filled <5526>: and they took <142> up of the fragments <2801> that remained <4052> twelve <1427> baskets <2894> full <4134>. {21} And they that had eaten <2068> were about <5616> five <4000> thousand <4000> men <435>, beside <5565> women <1135> and children <3813>.

NRSV - 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves." 16 Jesus said to them, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." 17 They replied, "We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish." 18 And he said, "Bring them here to me." 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

TEV - "Jesus Feeds Five Thousand Men" - 13 When Jesus heard the news about John, he left there in a boat and went to a lonely place by himself. The people heard about it, and so they left their towns and followed him by land. 14 Jesus got out of the boat, and when he saw the large crowd, his heart was filled with pity for them, and he healed their sick. 15 That evening his disciples came to him and said, "It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. Send the people away and let them go to the villages to buy food for themselves." 16 "They don't have to leave," answered Jesus. "You yourselves give them something to eat!" 17 "All we have here are five loaves and two fish," they replied. 18 "Then bring them here to me," Jesus said. 19 He ordered the people to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 Everyone ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up twelve baskets full of what was left over. 21 The number of men who ate was about five thousand, not counting the women and children.


[********** 5 **********]

<B14> Psalm 8

KJV w/Strong# - {1} O LORD <03068> our Lord <0113>, how <04100> excellent <0117> [is] thy name <08034> in all <03605> the earth <0776>! who <0834> hast set <05414> thy glory <01935> above <05921> the heavens <08064>.

{3} When <03588> I consider <07200> thy heavens <08064>, the work <04639> of thy fingers <0676>, the moon <03394> and the stars <03556>, which <0834> thou hast ordained <03559>; {4} What <04100> is man <0582>, that thou art mindful <02142> of him? and the son <01121> of man <0120>, that thou visitest <06485> him? {5} For thou hast made him a little <04592> lower <02637> than the angels <0430>, and hast crowned <05849> him with glory <03519> and honour <01926>. {6} Thou madest him to have dominion <04910> over the works <04639> of thy hands <03027>; thou hast put <07896> all <03605> [things] under <08478> his feet <07272>:

NRSV - 1 O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; 4 what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? 5 Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor. 6 You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet,

TEV - "God's Glory and Man's Dignity" - 1 O LORD, our Lord, your greatness is seen in all the world! Your praise reaches up to the heavens; 2 it is sung by children and babies. You are safe and secure from all your enemies; you stop anyone who opposes you. 3 When I look at the sky, which you have made, at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places -- 4 what is man, that you think of him; mere man, that you care for him? 5 Yet you made him inferior only to yourself; you crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You appointed him ruler over everything you made; you placed him over all creation: 7 sheep and cattle, and the wild animals too; 8 the birds and the fish and the creatures in the seas.


<B15> Psalm 145

KJV w/Strong# - {10} All <03605> thy works <04639> shall praise <03034> thee, O LORD <03068>; and thy saints <02623> shall bless <01288> thee. {11} They shall speak <0559> of the glory <03519> of thy kingdom <04438>, and talk <01696> of thy power <01369>;

{13} Thy kingdom <04438> [is] an everlasting <05769> kingdom <04438>, and thy dominion <04475> [endureth] throughout all generations <01755>.

NRSV - 10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your faithful shall bless you. 11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power,

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.

TEV - "A Hymn of Praise" - 10 All your creatures, LORD, will praise you, and all your people will give you thanks. 11 They will speak of the glory of your royal power and tell of your might, 12 so that everyone will know your mighty deeds and the glorious majesty of your kingdom. 13 Your rule is eternal, and you are king forever. The LORD is faithful to his promises; he is merciful in all his acts. 14 He helps those who are in trouble; he lifts those who have fallen.


<B16> Psalm 119

KJV w/Strong# - <B16>

{165} Great <07227> peace <07965> have they which love <0157> thy law <08451>: and nothing <0369> shall offend <04383> them.

NRSV - 165 Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

TEV - "Dedication to the Law of the LORD" - 161 Powerful men attack me unjustly, but I respect your law. 162 How happy I am because of your promises -- as happy as someone who finds rich treasure. 163 I hate and detest all lies, but I love your law. 164 Seven times each day I thank you for your righteous judgments. 165 Those who love your law have perfect security, and there is nothing that can make them fall. 166 I wait for you to save me, LORD, and I do what you command. 167 I obey your teachings; I love them with all my heart.


[********** 6 **********]

<B17> Haggai 2

KJV w/Strong# - {6} For thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068> of hosts <06635>; Yet <05750> once <0259>, it [is] a little <04592> while, and I will shake <07493> the heavens <08064>, and the earth <0776>, and the sea <03220>, and the dry <02724> [land];

NRSV - 6 For thus says the LORD of hosts: Once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land;

TEV - "The Splendor of the New Temple" - 6 "Before long I will shake heaven and earth, land and sea. 7 I will overthrow all the nations, and their treasures will be brought here, and the Temple will be filled with wealth. 8 All the silver and gold of the world is mine. 9 The new Temple will be more splendid than the old one, and there I will give my people prosperity and peace." The LORD Almighty has spoken.


<B18> Hebrews 12

KJV w/Strong# - {27} And this <3588> [word], Yet <2089> once <530> more, signifieth <1213> the removing <3331> of those <3588> things that are shaken <4531>, as of things that are made <4160>, that those <3588> things which cannot <3361> be shaken <4531> may remain <3306>. {28} Wherefore <1352> we receiving <3880> a kingdom <932> which cannot <761> be moved <761>, let us have <2192> grace <5485>, whereby <3739> we may serve <3000> God <2316> acceptably <2102> with reverence <127> and godly fear <2124>:

NRSV - 27 This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of what is shaken -- that is, created things -- so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks, by which we offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe;

TEV - "Instructions and Warnings" - 25 Be careful, then, and do not refuse to hear him who speaks. Those who refused to hear the one who gave the divine message on earth did not escape. How much less shall we escape, then, if we turn away from the one who speaks from heaven! 26 His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, "I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven as well." 27 The words "once more" plainly show that the created things will be shaken and removed, so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain. 28 Let us be thankful, then, because we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe; 29 because our God is indeed a destroying fire.


<B19> Luke 21

KJV w/Strong# - {9} But when <3752> ye shall hear <191> of wars <4171> and commotions <181>, be not terrified <4422>: for these <5023> things must <1163> first <4412> come <1096> to pass; but the end <5056> [is] not by and by <2112>.

{11} And great <3173> earthquakes <4578> shall be in divers places <5117>, and famines <3042>, and pestilences <3061>; and fearful <5400> sights <5400> and great <3173> signs <4592> shall there be from heaven <3772>.

{18} But there shall not an hair <2359> of your <5216> head <2776> perish <622>.

NRSV - 9 "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately."

11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

18 But not a hair of your head will perish.

TEV - "Troubles and Persecutions" - 7 "Teacher," they asked, "when will this be? And what will happen in order to show that the time has come for it to take place?" 8 Jesus said, "Watch out; don't be fooled. Many men, claiming to speak for me, will come and say, "I am he!' and, "The time has come!' But don't follow them. 9 Don't be afraid when you hear of wars and revolutions; such things must happen first, but they do not mean that the end is near." 10 He went on to say, "Countries will fight each other; kingdoms will attack one another. 11 There will be terrible earthquakes, famines, and plagues everywhere; there will be strange and terrifying things coming from the sky. 12 Before all these things take place, however, you will be arrested and persecuted; you will be handed over to be tried in synagogues and be put in prison; you will be brought before kings and rulers for my sake. 13 This will be your chance to tell the Good News. 14 Make up your minds ahead of time not to worry about how you will defend yourselves, 15 because I will give you such words and wisdom that none of your enemies will be able to refute or contradict what you say. 16 You will be handed over by your parents, your brothers, your relatives, and your friends; and some of you will be put to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a single hair from your heads will be lost. 19 Stand firm, and you will save yourselves.


<B20> Isaiah 66

KJV w/Strong# - {22} For as the new <02319> heavens <08064> and the new <02319> earth <0776>, which <0834> I will make <06213>, shall remain <05975> before <06440> me, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>, so <03651> shall your seed <02233> and your name <08034> remain <05975>.

NRSV - 22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, says the LORD; so shall your descendants and your name remain.

TEV - "The LORD Judges the Nations" - 22 "Just as the new earth and the new heavens will endure by my power, so your descendants and your name will endure. 23 On every New Moon Festival and every Sabbath people of every nation will come to worship me here in Jerusalem," says the LORD. 24 "As they leave, they will see the dead bodies of those who have rebelled against me. The worms that eat them will never die, and the fire that burns them will never be put out. The sight of them will be disgusting to all mankind.


LINKS TO SOME OTHER USEFUL BIBLE-LESSON-RELATED WEB PAGES

ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS COMMENTARY (such as a/r=alternate rendering, c/m=changed meaning since KJV translation, omit=omit wording not found in the Hebrew or Greek texts from which the KJV was translated but not in the original Hebrew or Greek texts, add=add wording that was omitted from the KJV's Hebrew or Greek texts but were found in the original Hebrew or Greek texts). Also other information about this commentary. (http://www.bibletexts.com/abbrev.htm)

BIBLETEXTS HOMEPAGE - This is the homepage for the entire BibleTexts Website. (http://www.bibletexts.com)

BIBLETEXTS ONLINE BIBLE COMMENTARY - THE UNABRIDGED EDITION (http://www.bibletexts.com/bt.htm)

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF BIBLE RESEARCH MATERIALS - This is a listing and description of 200 of the biblical resources used for this commentary. (http://www.bibletexts.com/bibliogr.htm)

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY BIBLE LESSONS - HISTORICAL INSIGHTS - This is a link to a Webpage that lists articles from early issues of the Christian Science periodical -- articles that give insights on how Mary Baker Eddy and early Bible Lesson Committee members viewed the Bible Lessons. (http://www.bibletexts.com/articles/bl.htm)

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY BIBLE LESSONS - OFFICIAL WEBPAGE - This is a link to an official Webpage that describes and gives textual and audio examples of the actual Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons. (http://168.203.8.7/GV/CSPS/Quarterly.html)

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY BIBLE LESSONS - ESSENTIAL STUDY MATERIALS - This is a link to a webpage describing the essential Bible Lesson study materials (theBible, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and the Christian Science Quarterly) and how to obtain them, as well as how to obtain some optional Bible Lesson study aids. (http://www.bibletexts.com/bl-components.htm)

CHURCHES OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, AND READING ROOMS - OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF LISTINGS - This is an official Website listing all of the churches, societies, and Reading Rooms listed in The Christian Science Journal. (http://168.203.8.11/Church.qry?function=form)

DAILY RELIGIOUS ARTICLE from today's issue of The Christian Science Monitor. (http://www.csmonitor.com/todays_paper/graphical/today/home/relarticle.1.html)

STRONG'S-BASED BIBLE STUDY AIDS - This is a Webpage that describes various  Bible study aids that are keyed to the Strong's number system. These materials will enable you to use the above "KJV/Strong's" texts and <numbers> to explore the actual meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words from which the English wording was translated. (http://www.bibletexts.com/strongs.htm)

TOPICAL INDEX OF CROSS-REFERENCES AND COMMENTARIES (http://www.bibletexts.com/topical.htm)

WHY THE KING JAMES VERSION DIFFERS WITH MODERN VERSIONS? This thoroughly researched document addresses in detail three topics: Part 1. The King James Version and its dependence on the Textus Receptus; Part 2. Descriptions of four significant Bible study aids used by this website; Part 3. The importance of the original texts to Mary Baker Eddy, and the use of non-KJV Bible versions in the writings of Mary Baker Eddy (from at least 1881) and in the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons (from 1890-1914). (http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-mod.htm)

EMAIL THE BIBLETEXTS WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR - You are welcome to email comments and/or recommendations to the BibleTexts website administrator. (support@bibletexts.com)


Copyright 1996-1998 Robert Nguyen Cramer, PO Box 5613, Newark, DE 19714-5613, USA