Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Barak » Judge
What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
Faith » Exemplified
What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, did not receive the promise.
Faith » Trial of » Gideon, when commanded to deliver israel
What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
Gideon said to God: You have said you will rescue Israel using me. Look I will place wool on the threshing floor where we thresh the wheat. If in the morning there is dew only on the wool but not on the ground, I will know that you are going to use me to rescue Israel. That is what happened. When Gideon got up early the next morning, he squeezed the wool and wrung enough dew out of it to fill a bowl with water. read more.
Then Gideon said to God: Do not be angry with me. Allow me to speak just once more. Please let me make one more test with the wool. This time let the wool be dry, and the ground wet. That night God did it. The next morning the wool was dry, but the ground was wet with dew.
Then Gideon said to God: Do not be angry with me. Allow me to speak just once more. Please let me make one more test with the wool. This time let the wool be dry, and the ground wet. That night God did it. The next morning the wool was dry, but the ground was wet with dew.
Faith » Trial of » The three hebrews, when commanded to worship the image
Some Chaldean Astrologers brought accusation against the Jews. They said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, may you live for a very long time. You, O king, made a decree, that every man that hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, zither, pipes, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. read more.
Whoever does not fall down and worship, will be thrown into the midst of a blazing furnace. The Jews whom you appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego have not listened to you. They do not serve your gods. They do not worship the golden image that you set up. Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. They brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar said to them: Is it true Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that you do not serve my god, nor worship the golden image that I set up? Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, zither, pipes, and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, good! But if you do not worship it you will be thrown into the midst of a blazing furnace that same hour. What god will be able to rescue you from my hand? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king: O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If it is so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the blazing furnace. He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. If not you should know O king that we will not serve your gods. We will not worship the golden image that you set up! Nebuchadnezzar was furious. The expression on his face changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than its required heat. He commanded the mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to throw them into the blazing furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, caps and their other garments. They were thrown into the midst of the blazing furnace. Because of the urgency of the king's commandment and the exceeding hot furnace, the flame of the fire killed the men who delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the blazing furnace. Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished. He hurried to speak to his counselors: / Did we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered: True O king. He said: Look, I see four men walking in the midst of the fire. They are not hurt! The appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods! Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning blazing furnace. He called out: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God come here! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire. The satraps, deputies, governors, and the king's counselors, being gathered together, saw these men. They saw that the fire had no power upon their bodies. Not a single hair on their head was singed. Neither were their clothes changed and they did not smell like fire. Nebuchadnezzar said: Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him. They violated the king's command and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut into pieces. Their houses shall be made a dunghill. There is no other god that is able to deliver like this. The king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
Whoever does not fall down and worship, will be thrown into the midst of a blazing furnace. The Jews whom you appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego have not listened to you. They do not serve your gods. They do not worship the golden image that you set up. Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. They brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar said to them: Is it true Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that you do not serve my god, nor worship the golden image that I set up? Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, zither, pipes, and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, good! But if you do not worship it you will be thrown into the midst of a blazing furnace that same hour. What god will be able to rescue you from my hand? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king: O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If it is so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the blazing furnace. He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. If not you should know O king that we will not serve your gods. We will not worship the golden image that you set up! Nebuchadnezzar was furious. The expression on his face changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than its required heat. He commanded the mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to throw them into the blazing furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, caps and their other garments. They were thrown into the midst of the blazing furnace. Because of the urgency of the king's commandment and the exceeding hot furnace, the flame of the fire killed the men who delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the blazing furnace. Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished. He hurried to speak to his counselors: / Did we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered: True O king. He said: Look, I see four men walking in the midst of the fire. They are not hurt! The appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods! Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning blazing furnace. He called out: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God come here! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire. The satraps, deputies, governors, and the king's counselors, being gathered together, saw these men. They saw that the fire had no power upon their bodies. Not a single hair on their head was singed. Neither were their clothes changed and they did not smell like fire. Nebuchadnezzar said: Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him. They violated the king's command and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut into pieces. Their houses shall be made a dunghill. There is no other god that is able to deliver like this. The king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight foreign armies.
Faith » Trial of » Daniel, when forbidden to pray to jehovah
What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
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. The king went to his palace and did not eat. He refused musical entertainment and he could not sleep. He arose very early in the morning, and went in haste to the den of lions. He came near to the den and cried with a lamentable voice to Daniel: O Daniel, servant of the living God, did the God you serve deliver you from the lion? Daniel said to the king: O king, may you live for a very long time. My God sent his angel, and shut the lions' mouths. They did not hurt me. I was found innocent before him. I have done no wrong before you, O king. The king was very happy. He commanded that they take Daniel out of the den. So Daniel was taken out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found on him, because he trusted in his God.
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. The king went to his palace and did not eat. He refused musical entertainment and he could not sleep. He arose very early in the morning, and went in haste to the den of lions. He came near to the den and cried with a lamentable voice to Daniel: O Daniel, servant of the living God, did the God you serve deliver you from the lion? Daniel said to the king: O king, may you live for a very long time. My God sent his angel, and shut the lions' mouths. They did not hurt me. I was found innocent before him. I have done no wrong before you, O king. The king was very happy. He commanded that they take Daniel out of the den. So Daniel was taken out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found on him, because he trusted in his God.
Faith » Instances of » Conquests by
What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight foreign armies.
gideon » Faith of
What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
Jephthah » Faith of
What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
extraordinary Judges » Remarkable for their faith
What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
Martyrdom » Instances of » The prophets
You are responsible for all the righteous blood shed on earth. That includes the blood of the righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar.
They killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They did not please God and are contrary to all men.
Jehovah, they have killed your prophets, and torn down your altars. I am left alone, and they seek my life. (1 Kings 19:14, 18)
What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight foreign armies. read more.
Women received their dead by a resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging and bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented.
Women received their dead by a resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging and bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented.
Prophets » Were mighty through faith
What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight foreign armies. read more.
Women received their dead by a resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging and bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. The world was not worthy of them! They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, did not receive the promise. God provided something better for us that they might not be made perfect without us.
Women received their dead by a resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging and bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. The world was not worthy of them! They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, did not receive the promise. God provided something better for us that they might not be made perfect without us.
Reputation » Spiritual
Your obedience has come to our attention abroad. I am glad therefore on your behalf. Yet I would have you wise to that which is good and simple concerning evil.
First, I thank my God for all of you through Jesus Christ, for your faith is reported throughout the whole world.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. Through this he was commended as righteous. God testified about his gifts. Thus through faith he still speaks even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was moved (transferred) (removed) so that he would not see death. He was not found, because God had moved him away. Before he was moved away he saw that he had pleased God well. (Genesis 5:24) Without faith it is impossible to please God. He who comes to God must believe that he is and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. read more.
By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not seen as yet, moved with godly respect. He prepared an ark to save his house. By his faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith. By faith, when Abraham was called, he obeyed. He went to a place that he was to receive for an inheritance. He went even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he became an alien in the Promised Land. It was not his land. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob. They were heirs with him of the same promise. He looked for the city having real foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who promised. This was to come from one man and him as good as dead. There were born children, as many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as uncountable as the sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar. They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Those who say such things declare that they are seeking a country of their own. If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they came, they would have had opportunity to return. They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Because of this, God is not ashamed to be called their God. He has prepared a city for them! By faith Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. He that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only-begotten son! It was said: In Isaac your descendants will be called. Abraham reasoned that God is able to raise him from the dead. So he figured he would receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph. He worshipped while leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, mentioned the departure of the children of Israel. Then he gave orders concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents. They saw he was a beautiful child and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to share the bad treatment with the people of God, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. He looked intently (respectfully) for the payment of the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the anger of the king. He endured, by seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. The Egyptians tried and were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with the disobedient, after she welcomed the spies in peace. What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight foreign armies. Women received their dead by a resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging and bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. The world was not worthy of them! They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, did not receive the promise.
By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not seen as yet, moved with godly respect. He prepared an ark to save his house. By his faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith. By faith, when Abraham was called, he obeyed. He went to a place that he was to receive for an inheritance. He went even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he became an alien in the Promised Land. It was not his land. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob. They were heirs with him of the same promise. He looked for the city having real foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who promised. This was to come from one man and him as good as dead. There were born children, as many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as uncountable as the sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar. They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Those who say such things declare that they are seeking a country of their own. If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they came, they would have had opportunity to return. They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Because of this, God is not ashamed to be called their God. He has prepared a city for them! By faith Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. He that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only-begotten son! It was said: In Isaac your descendants will be called. Abraham reasoned that God is able to raise him from the dead. So he figured he would receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph. He worshipped while leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, mentioned the departure of the children of Israel. Then he gave orders concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents. They saw he was a beautiful child and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to share the bad treatment with the people of God, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. He looked intently (respectfully) for the payment of the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the anger of the king. He endured, by seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. The Egyptians tried and were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with the disobedient, after she welcomed the spies in peace. What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight foreign armies. Women received their dead by a resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging and bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. The world was not worthy of them! They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, did not receive the promise.
Samson » Blinded » By philistines » Pillars
What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
The Philistines captured him and put his eyes out. They took him to Gaza, chained him with copper chains. They put him to work grinding at the mill in the prison. His hair grew back. The Philistine kings met together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said: Our god gave us victory over our enemy Samson! read more.
They praised their god and said: Call Samson, and make him entertain us! They brought Samson out of the prison and they made him entertain them. They forced him to stand between the columns. When the people saw him, they sang praise to their god: Our god gave us victory over our enemy, who devastated our land and killed so many of us! Samson said to the boy who led him by the hand: Let me touch the columns that hold up the building. I want to lean on them. The building was crowded with men and women. All five Philistine kings were there. There were about three thousand men and women on the roof, watching Samson entertain them. Samson prayed: Sovereign Lord Jehovah please remember me. Please, God, give me my strength just this one time. With this one blow I can get even with the Philistines for putting out my two eyes. Then Samson took hold of the two middle columns holding up the building. He put one hand on each column. He pushed against them. Samson shouted: Let me die with the Philistines! He pushed with all his might, and the building fell down on the five kings and everyone else. Samson killed more people at his death than he had killed during his life. His brothers and the rest of his family came to get his body. They took him back and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of his father Manoah. He had been Israel's judge for twenty years.
They praised their god and said: Call Samson, and make him entertain us! They brought Samson out of the prison and they made him entertain them. They forced him to stand between the columns. When the people saw him, they sang praise to their god: Our god gave us victory over our enemy, who devastated our land and killed so many of us! Samson said to the boy who led him by the hand: Let me touch the columns that hold up the building. I want to lean on them. The building was crowded with men and women. All five Philistine kings were there. There were about three thousand men and women on the roof, watching Samson entertain them. Samson prayed: Sovereign Lord Jehovah please remember me. Please, God, give me my strength just this one time. With this one blow I can get even with the Philistines for putting out my two eyes. Then Samson took hold of the two middle columns holding up the building. He put one hand on each column. He pushed against them. Samson shouted: Let me die with the Philistines! He pushed with all his might, and the building fell down on the five kings and everyone else. Samson killed more people at his death than he had killed during his life. His brothers and the rest of his family came to get his body. They took him back and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of his father Manoah. He had been Israel's judge for twenty years.
Samson » His great strength
What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
Samson said to them: This is how you act! I swear that I will not stop until I pay you back! He attacked them fiercely and killed many of them. After that he stayed in the cave in the cliff at Etam. The Philistines came and camped in Judah. They attacked the town of Lehi. read more.
The men of Judah asked: Why do you attack us? They answered: We came to take Samson prisoner and to treat him as he treated us. These three thousand men of Judah went to the cave in the cliff at Etam and said to Samson: Do you know that the Philistines are our rulers? What did you do? He answered: I did to them just what they did to me. They replied: We have come here to tie you up and hand you over to them. Samson said: Give me your word that you will not kill me. They said: We are only going to tie you up and hand you over to them. We will not kill you. So they tied him up with two new ropes and brought him back from the cliff. When he got to Lehi, the Philistines shouted and ran toward him. Suddenly Jehovah's power made him strong. He broke the ropes around his arms and hands as if they were burnt flax.
The men of Judah asked: Why do you attack us? They answered: We came to take Samson prisoner and to treat him as he treated us. These three thousand men of Judah went to the cave in the cliff at Etam and said to Samson: Do you know that the Philistines are our rulers? What did you do? He answered: I did to them just what they did to me. They replied: We have come here to tie you up and hand you over to them. Samson said: Give me your word that you will not kill me. They said: We are only going to tie you up and hand you over to them. We will not kill you. So they tied him up with two new ropes and brought him back from the cliff. When he got to Lehi, the Philistines shouted and ran toward him. Suddenly Jehovah's power made him strong. He broke the ropes around his arms and hands as if they were burnt flax.
samuel » His integrity as a judge and ruler
Moses and Aaron were among his priests. Samuel was among those who called on his name. They called upon Jehovah and he answered them.
What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
Jehovah said to me: I would not feel sorry for these people, even if Moses and Samuel were standing in front of me. Send them away from my presence, and let them go.
Samuel said to all Israel: I listened to everything you said to me and established a king over you. Now you have a king as your leader. I am old and gray and my sons are with you. I walked before you (served as your leader) from childhood until this day. Here I am! Testify against me before Jehovah and before his anointed one. Whose bull have I stolen? Whose donkey have I taken? Have I cheated anyone? Have I oppressed any? Have I ever taken a bribe? Tell me and I will make it right. read more.
The people answered: You have not cheated us or oppressed us. You have not taken anything from anyone. Samuel replied: Jehovah and the king he has chosen are witnesses today that you have found me to be completely innocent. They answered: That is right, Jehovah is our witness!
The people answered: You have not cheated us or oppressed us. You have not taken anything from anyone. Samuel replied: Jehovah and the king he has chosen are witnesses today that you have found me to be completely innocent. They answered: That is right, Jehovah is our witness!
Spiritual » Renewal » Reputation
Your obedience has come to our attention abroad. I am glad therefore on your behalf. Yet I would have you wise to that which is good and simple concerning evil.
First, I thank my God for all of you through Jesus Christ, for your faith is reported throughout the whole world.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. Through this he was commended as righteous. God testified about his gifts. Thus through faith he still speaks even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was moved (transferred) (removed) so that he would not see death. He was not found, because God had moved him away. Before he was moved away he saw that he had pleased God well. (Genesis 5:24) Without faith it is impossible to please God. He who comes to God must believe that he is and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. read more.
By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not seen as yet, moved with godly respect. He prepared an ark to save his house. By his faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith. By faith, when Abraham was called, he obeyed. He went to a place that he was to receive for an inheritance. He went even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he became an alien in the Promised Land. It was not his land. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob. They were heirs with him of the same promise. He looked for the city having real foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who promised. This was to come from one man and him as good as dead. There were born children, as many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as uncountable as the sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar. They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Those who say such things declare that they are seeking a country of their own. If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they came, they would have had opportunity to return. They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Because of this, God is not ashamed to be called their God. He has prepared a city for them! By faith Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. He that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only-begotten son! It was said: In Isaac your descendants will be called. Abraham reasoned that God is able to raise him from the dead. So he figured he would receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph. He worshipped while leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, mentioned the departure of the children of Israel. Then he gave orders concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents. They saw he was a beautiful child and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to share the bad treatment with the people of God, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. He looked intently (respectfully) for the payment of the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the anger of the king. He endured, by seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. The Egyptians tried and were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with the disobedient, after she welcomed the spies in peace. What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight foreign armies. Women received their dead by a resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging and bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. The world was not worthy of them! They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, did not receive the promise.
By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not seen as yet, moved with godly respect. He prepared an ark to save his house. By his faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith. By faith, when Abraham was called, he obeyed. He went to a place that he was to receive for an inheritance. He went even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he became an alien in the Promised Land. It was not his land. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob. They were heirs with him of the same promise. He looked for the city having real foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who promised. This was to come from one man and him as good as dead. There were born children, as many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as uncountable as the sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar. They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Those who say such things declare that they are seeking a country of their own. If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they came, they would have had opportunity to return. They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Because of this, God is not ashamed to be called their God. He has prepared a city for them! By faith Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. He that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only-begotten son! It was said: In Isaac your descendants will be called. Abraham reasoned that God is able to raise him from the dead. So he figured he would receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph. He worshipped while leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, mentioned the departure of the children of Israel. Then he gave orders concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents. They saw he was a beautiful child and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to share the bad treatment with the people of God, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. He looked intently (respectfully) for the payment of the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the anger of the king. He endured, by seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. The Egyptians tried and were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with the disobedient, after she welcomed the spies in peace. What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight foreign armies. Women received their dead by a resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging and bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. The world was not worthy of them! They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, did not receive the promise.