Thematic Bible: Civil service
Thematic Bible
Civil service » Appointment in, on account of merit
Joseph had been taken to Egypt. Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's Egyptian officials and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. Jehovah was with Joseph. Joseph became a successful man. He worked in the house of his Egyptian master. Joseph's master saw that Jehovah was with him. Jehovah made him succeed in everything he did. read more.
Potiphar was pleased with him and made him his personal servant. He put him in charge of his house and everything he owned. Jehovah blessed the Egyptian's household and everything he had in his house and in his fields because of Joseph. Potiphar turned over everything he had to the care of Joseph. He did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Joseph was well built and good-looking.
Potiphar was pleased with him and made him his personal servant. He put him in charge of his house and everything he owned. Jehovah blessed the Egyptian's household and everything he had in his house and in his fields because of Joseph. Potiphar turned over everything he had to the care of Joseph. He did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Joseph was well built and good-looking.
and he said to them: We will never find a better man than Joseph. He is a man who has God's Spirit in him. The king said to Joseph: God has shown you all this. Therefore it is obvious that you have greater wisdom and insight than anyone else. I will put you in charge of my country. All my people will obey your orders. Your authority will be second only to mine. read more.
I now appoint you governor over all Egypt. Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand. He clothed him in garments of fine linen and put the gold necklace around his neck. He had him ride in his second chariot. They proclaimed before him: Bow the knee! Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph: Though I am Pharaoh, yet without your permission no one shall raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.
I now appoint you governor over all Egypt. Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand. He clothed him in garments of fine linen and put the gold necklace around his neck. He had him ride in his second chariot. They proclaimed before him: Bow the knee! Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph: Though I am Pharaoh, yet without your permission no one shall raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.
Jeroboam was a capable and responsible man. Solomon saw that he was a good worker and made him overseer of all the work given to the sons of Joseph.
That night the king was unable to get any sleep. He sent for the books of the records and had some one was read them to him. It was recorded in the book how Mordecai had given word of the designs of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's servants, keepers of the gate who conspired to kill the king. The king said: What honor and reward have been given to Mordecai for this? The servants waiting on the king said: Nothing has been done for him. read more.
The king asked: Who is in the outer room? Haman came into the outer room to get the king's authority for the hanging of Mordecai on the pillar that he made ready for him. The king's servants said: Haman is waiting in the outer room. The king said: Let him come in. So Haman came in. And the king said to him: What is to be done to the man whom the king has delight in honoring? Then the thought came into Haman's mind, whom, more than myself, would the king have pleasure in honoring? Haman answered: For the man whom the king has delight in honoring, Let them take the robes that the king generally puts on, and the horse on which the king goes, and the crown that is on his head: And let the robes and the horse be given to one of the king's most noble captains, so that they may put them on the man whom the king has delight in honoring. Let him go on horseback through the streets of the town, with men crying out before him. So let it be done to the man whom the king has delight in honoring. Then the king said to Haman: Go quickly, and take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, who is seated at the king's gate. See that you do everything as you have said. Haman took the robes and the horse, and dressing Mordecai in the robes, he made him go on horseback through the streets of the town, crying out before him: So let it be done to the man whom the king has delight in honoring.
The king asked: Who is in the outer room? Haman came into the outer room to get the king's authority for the hanging of Mordecai on the pillar that he made ready for him. The king's servants said: Haman is waiting in the outer room. The king said: Let him come in. So Haman came in. And the king said to him: What is to be done to the man whom the king has delight in honoring? Then the thought came into Haman's mind, whom, more than myself, would the king have pleasure in honoring? Haman answered: For the man whom the king has delight in honoring, Let them take the robes that the king generally puts on, and the horse on which the king goes, and the crown that is on his head: And let the robes and the horse be given to one of the king's most noble captains, so that they may put them on the man whom the king has delight in honoring. Let him go on horseback through the streets of the town, with men crying out before him. So let it be done to the man whom the king has delight in honoring. Then the king said to Haman: Go quickly, and take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, who is seated at the king's gate. See that you do everything as you have said. Haman took the robes and the horse, and dressing Mordecai in the robes, he made him go on horseback through the streets of the town, crying out before him: So let it be done to the man whom the king has delight in honoring.
God gave these young people knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of all types of literature and learning. Daniel had understanding and wisdom in all visions and dreams. When the appointed time for learning ended the chief officer brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. The king interviewed them and found out that none was found to be like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they served the king. read more.
The king found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire realm. This was in every matter of wisdom and understanding. Daniel continued to the first year of king Cyrus.
The king found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire realm. This was in every matter of wisdom and understanding. Daniel continued to the first year of king Cyrus.
It is like a man going to another country. He called his servants and put them in charge of his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one. He assigned according to the servants' ability. Then he went on his journey.
His lord said: 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' The servant who received one talent said: 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man. You reap where you did not sow and gather where you did not scatter. I was afraid, so I hid your talent in the earth. See, you have what is yours.' read more.
But his lord answered: 'You wicked and lazy servant. You knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter. You should have put my money in the bank. I should have received my money back plus interest. Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. More will be given to every one who has and he will have abundance. He who does not have will have every thing taken away. Throw the worthless servant into outer darkness. There will be crying and grinding of teeth.'
But his lord answered: 'You wicked and lazy servant. You knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter. You should have put my money in the bank. I should have received my money back plus interest. Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. More will be given to every one who has and he will have abundance. He who does not have will have every thing taken away. Throw the worthless servant into outer darkness. There will be crying and grinding of teeth.'
He said: A nobleman traveled to a country far away to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds, and said do business with this until I return. His citizens hated him. They sent a spokesman to him saying we do not want this man to rule us. read more.
He received the kingdom and went back to check on his servants. He wanted to know what they had gained by trading with the money he gave them. The first reported: Your pound has made ten pounds more. He said: Well done, you good servant. You were faithful in very little. Now you shall have authority over ten cities. The second said: Your pound, Lord, has made five pounds. He replied: You should be over five cities. Another reported: Lord, here is your pound. I kept it stored in a napkin. I feared you because you are an austere man. You take up what you do not lay down and you reap that which you did not sow. He said to him: Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I am an austere man, taking up that which I did not lay down, and reaping that which I did not sow. Why did you not put my money in the bank? That way I could collect interest when I returned. The nobleman said: Take away the pound he was given and give it to him that has the ten pounds. They said: Lord he has ten pounds! I say to you, that every one who has more shall be given. The man who does not have what little he has shall be taken away from him. Bring my enemies that do not want me to rule over them and kill them in front of me.
He received the kingdom and went back to check on his servants. He wanted to know what they had gained by trading with the money he gave them. The first reported: Your pound has made ten pounds more. He said: Well done, you good servant. You were faithful in very little. Now you shall have authority over ten cities. The second said: Your pound, Lord, has made five pounds. He replied: You should be over five cities. Another reported: Lord, here is your pound. I kept it stored in a napkin. I feared you because you are an austere man. You take up what you do not lay down and you reap that which you did not sow. He said to him: Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I am an austere man, taking up that which I did not lay down, and reaping that which I did not sow. Why did you not put my money in the bank? That way I could collect interest when I returned. The nobleman said: Take away the pound he was given and give it to him that has the ten pounds. They said: Lord he has ten pounds! I say to you, that every one who has more shall be given. The man who does not have what little he has shall be taken away from him. Bring my enemies that do not want me to rule over them and kill them in front of me.
Civil service » Influence in
he said to Gehazi: Ask her what I can do for her in return for all the trouble she has had in providing for our needs. Maybe she would like me to go to the king or the army commander and put in a good word for her. I have all I need here among my own people, she answered.
Adonijah, son of Haggith, was very handsome. His mother gave birth to him after Maacah had Absalom. Adonijah boasted about himself, saying, I will be king. He got a chariot and horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. His father never confronted him by asking: Why have you done this? But Adonijah had discussed his actions with Joab (son of Zeruiah) and with the priest Abiathar, so they supported him. read more.
But the priest Zadok, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the prophet Nathan, Shimei, Rei, and David's thirty special guards did not join Adonijah. Adonijah sacrificed sheep, cattle, and fattened calves at Zoheleth Rock near En Rogel. He invited all his brothers, the king's other sons, all the men of Judah, and the king's officials. But he did not invite the prophet Nathan, Benaiah, the special guard or his brother Solomon. Then Nathan asked Solomon's mother Bathsheba: Have you heard that Adonijah, Haggith's son, has become king, and our master David does not even know about it? Bathsheba, let me give you some advice about how to save your life and your son's life. Go now to King David and ask him: 'Your Majesty, did you solemnly promise me that my son Solomon would succeed you as king? How is it that Adonijah has become king?' Nathan added: While you are still talking with King David, I will come in and confirm your story. So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. He was very old, and Abishag, the young woman from Shunem, was taking care of him. Bathsheba bowed low before the king. He asked: What do you want? She answered: Your Majesty, you made me a solemn promise in the name of Jehovah your God that my son Solomon would be king after you. Adonijah has already become king. You do not know anything about it. He has offered a sacrifice of many bulls, sheep, and fattened calves. He invited your sons, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of your army to the feast. However he did not invite your son Solomon. Your Majesty. The people of Israel want you to tell them who is to succeed you as king. If you do not my son Solomon and I will be treated as traitors when you die. Nathan arrived at the palace while she spoke. The king was told that the prophet was there. Nathan went in and bowed low before the king. Nathan said: Your Majesty. Did you announce that Adonijah would succeed you as king? This very day he has gone and offered a sacrifice of many bulls, sheep, and fattened calves. He invited all your sons, Joab the commander of your army, and Abiathar the priest, and right now they are feasting with him and shouting: 'Long live King Adonijah!' But he did not invite Zadok the priest or Benaiah or Solomon or me. Did Your Majesty approve all this and not even tell your officials who is to succeed you as king? King David said: Ask Bathsheba to come back in. She came and stood before him. Then he said to her: I promise you by the living God Jehovah (YHWH), who has rescued me from all my troubles, that today I will keep the promise I made to you in the name of Jehovah the God of Israel, that your son Solomon would succeed me as king. Bathsheba bowed low and said: May my lord the king live a very long time! Then King David sent for Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah. When they came in, he said to them: Take my court officials with you; have my son Solomon ride my own mule, and escort him to Gihon Spring, Zadok and Nathan are to anoint him as king of Israel. Then blow the trumpet and shout: Long live King Solomon! Follow him back here when he comes to sit on my throne. He will succeed me as king. He is the one I have chosen to be the ruler over Israel and Judah. It will be done, answered Benaiah, and may Jehovah your God confirm it! Jehovah has been with Your Majesty. May he also be with Solomon and make his reign even more prosperous than yours. So Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, and the royal bodyguards put Solomon on King David's mule and escorted him to Gihon Spring. Zadok took the container of olive oil that he had brought from the Tent of Jehovah's presence, and anointed Solomon. They blew the trumpet, and all the people shouted: Long live King Solomon! All the people followed him. They blew flutes and celebrated so loudly that their voices shook the ground.
But the priest Zadok, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the prophet Nathan, Shimei, Rei, and David's thirty special guards did not join Adonijah. Adonijah sacrificed sheep, cattle, and fattened calves at Zoheleth Rock near En Rogel. He invited all his brothers, the king's other sons, all the men of Judah, and the king's officials. But he did not invite the prophet Nathan, Benaiah, the special guard or his brother Solomon. Then Nathan asked Solomon's mother Bathsheba: Have you heard that Adonijah, Haggith's son, has become king, and our master David does not even know about it? Bathsheba, let me give you some advice about how to save your life and your son's life. Go now to King David and ask him: 'Your Majesty, did you solemnly promise me that my son Solomon would succeed you as king? How is it that Adonijah has become king?' Nathan added: While you are still talking with King David, I will come in and confirm your story. So Bathsheba went to see the king in his bedroom. He was very old, and Abishag, the young woman from Shunem, was taking care of him. Bathsheba bowed low before the king. He asked: What do you want? She answered: Your Majesty, you made me a solemn promise in the name of Jehovah your God that my son Solomon would be king after you. Adonijah has already become king. You do not know anything about it. He has offered a sacrifice of many bulls, sheep, and fattened calves. He invited your sons, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of your army to the feast. However he did not invite your son Solomon. Your Majesty. The people of Israel want you to tell them who is to succeed you as king. If you do not my son Solomon and I will be treated as traitors when you die. Nathan arrived at the palace while she spoke. The king was told that the prophet was there. Nathan went in and bowed low before the king. Nathan said: Your Majesty. Did you announce that Adonijah would succeed you as king? This very day he has gone and offered a sacrifice of many bulls, sheep, and fattened calves. He invited all your sons, Joab the commander of your army, and Abiathar the priest, and right now they are feasting with him and shouting: 'Long live King Adonijah!' But he did not invite Zadok the priest or Benaiah or Solomon or me. Did Your Majesty approve all this and not even tell your officials who is to succeed you as king? King David said: Ask Bathsheba to come back in. She came and stood before him. Then he said to her: I promise you by the living God Jehovah (YHWH), who has rescued me from all my troubles, that today I will keep the promise I made to you in the name of Jehovah the God of Israel, that your son Solomon would succeed me as king. Bathsheba bowed low and said: May my lord the king live a very long time! Then King David sent for Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah. When they came in, he said to them: Take my court officials with you; have my son Solomon ride my own mule, and escort him to Gihon Spring, Zadok and Nathan are to anoint him as king of Israel. Then blow the trumpet and shout: Long live King Solomon! Follow him back here when he comes to sit on my throne. He will succeed me as king. He is the one I have chosen to be the ruler over Israel and Judah. It will be done, answered Benaiah, and may Jehovah your God confirm it! Jehovah has been with Your Majesty. May he also be with Solomon and make his reign even more prosperous than yours. So Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, and the royal bodyguards put Solomon on King David's mule and escorted him to Gihon Spring. Zadok took the container of olive oil that he had brought from the Tent of Jehovah's presence, and anointed Solomon. They blew the trumpet, and all the people shouted: Long live King Solomon! All the people followed him. They blew flutes and celebrated so loudly that their voices shook the ground.
The mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons. She bowed down and requested a favor of him. What is your desire? he asked. She said to him: Let my two sons be seated, the one at your right hand, and the other at your left, in your kingdom. Jesus told her: You have no idea what you are requesting. Are you able to take of the cup I am about to take? read more.
They said: We are able. Truly, you will take of my cup, he said. But to be seated at my right hand and at my left is not for me to give. It is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.
They said: We are able. Truly, you will take of my cup, he said. But to be seated at my right hand and at my left is not for me to give. It is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him saying: Teacher, we want you to do for us what we ask of you.
Civil service » Corruption in
He hoped that Paul would give him money to free him. He sent for him frequently and conversed with him.
Earlier rulers who came before me made the people responsible for their upkeep, and took from them bread and wine at the rate of forty shekels of silver. Even their servants were lords over the people. But I did not do so, out of reverence for God.
Then the commissioners and the governors sought to find a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom. They could find no charge, nor error, nor fault, for he was faithful. These men said: We shall not find any charge against Daniel, unless we find it against him in the Law of his God. Then these commissioners and governors assembled before the king, and said: King Darius, may you live for a very long time. read more.
All the governors of the kingdom, the deputies and the governors, the counselors consulted together to establish a royal statute. They made a strong decree, that whoever prays to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree by signing the document. That it will not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be altered. King Darius signed the document for the decree. Daniel knew that the decree was signed. He went into his house. His windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem. He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, like he did before. These men assembled together. They found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. They approached the king about his decree: Did you sign a decree stating that every man that shall make petition to any god or man within thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the den of lions? The king answered: The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be altered. Then they said: Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, does not show you respect, O king, nor the decree that you signed. He offers his prayer three times a day. Then the king, when he heard these words, was very displeased with himself. He was determined that Daniel not be delivered to him; and he labored all day to rescue him. Then these men assembled before the king and said: Know, O king that it is a law of the Medes and Persians, that no decree or statute that the king establishes may be changed. Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and threw him into the den of lions. The king spoke to Daniel: Your God whom you serve will deliver you. A stone was placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.
All the governors of the kingdom, the deputies and the governors, the counselors consulted together to establish a royal statute. They made a strong decree, that whoever prays to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree by signing the document. That it will not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be altered. King Darius signed the document for the decree. Daniel knew that the decree was signed. He went into his house. His windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem. He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, like he did before. These men assembled together. They found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. They approached the king about his decree: Did you sign a decree stating that every man that shall make petition to any god or man within thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the den of lions? The king answered: The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be altered. Then they said: Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, does not show you respect, O king, nor the decree that you signed. He offers his prayer three times a day. Then the king, when he heard these words, was very displeased with himself. He was determined that Daniel not be delivered to him; and he labored all day to rescue him. Then these men assembled before the king and said: Know, O king that it is a law of the Medes and Persians, that no decree or statute that the king establishes may be changed. Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and threw him into the den of lions. The king spoke to Daniel: Your God whom you serve will deliver you. A stone was placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.
Wishing to please the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. Then he handed over Jesus. He was flogged and impaled.
Civil service » School for
God gave these young people knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of all types of literature and learning. Daniel had understanding and wisdom in all visions and dreams. When the appointed time for learning ended the chief officer brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. The king interviewed them and found out that none was found to be like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they served the king. read more.
The king found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire realm. This was in every matter of wisdom and understanding. Daniel continued to the first year of king Cyrus.
The king found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his entire realm. This was in every matter of wisdom and understanding. Daniel continued to the first year of king Cyrus.
The king ordered Ashpenaz the chief of his officials to bring in some of the Israelites including some of the royal family and nobles. These were young people who had no defects. They were good looking and intelligent, with knowledge. They showed wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of science. They had ability to serve in the king's court and were taught the language and literature of the Chaldeans. The king assigned a daily amount of the king's special rich food for them and also the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years. At the end of that time they would serve the king.
They looked better when the ten days ended! They were fairer in appearance and fatter in flesh than the young people who ate the king's special food.
Civil service » Reform in
From the time when I was made ruler of the people in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year till the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, for twelve years, my servants and I have never taken the food that was the right of the ruler. Earlier rulers who came before me made the people responsible for their upkeep, and took from them bread and wine at the rate of forty shekels of silver. Even their servants were lords over the people. But I did not do so, out of reverence for God.