Reference: Pentateuch
American
The five books the books of Moses; that is, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. See articles on those books, and also MOSES.
Easton
the five-fold volume, consisting of the first five books of the Old Testament. This word does not occur in Scripture, nor is it certainly known when the roll was thus divided into five portions Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. Probably that was done by the LXX. translators. Some modern critics speak of a Hexateuch, introducing the Book of Joshua as one of the group. But this book is of an entirely different character from the other books, and has a different author. It stands by itself as the first of a series of historical books beginning with the entrance of the Israelites into Canaan. (See Joshua.)
The books composing the Pentateuch are properly but one book, the "Law of Moses," the "Book of the Law of Moses," the "Book of Moses," or, as the Jews designate it, the "Torah" or "Law." That in its present form it "proceeds from a single author is proved by its plan and aim, according to which its whole contents refer to the covenant concluded between Jehovah and his people, by the instrumentality of Moses, in such a way that everything before his time is perceived to be preparatory to this fact, and all the rest to be the development of it. Nevertheless, this unity has not been stamped upon it as a matter of necessity by the latest redactor: it has been there from the beginning, and is visible in the first plan and in the whole execution of the work.", Keil, Einl. i.d. A. T.
A certain school of critics have set themselves to reconstruct the books of the Old Testament. By a process of "scientific study" they have discovered that the so-called historical books of the Old Testament are not history at all, but a miscellaneous collection of stories, the inventions of many different writers, patched together by a variety of editors! As regards the Pentateuch, they are not ashamed to attribute fraud, and even conspiracy, to its authors, who sought to find acceptance to their work which was composed partly in the age of Josiah, and partly in that of Ezra and Nehemiah, by giving it out to be the work of Moses! This is not the place to enter into the details of this controversy. We may say frankly, however, that we have no faith in this "higher criticism." It degrades the books of the Old Testament below the level of fallible human writings, and the arguments on which its speculations are built are altogether untenable.
The evidences in favour of the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch are conclusive. We may thus state some of them briefly:
(1.) These books profess to have been written by Moses in the name of God (7/14/type/nsb'>Ex 17:14; 24:3-4,7; 32:7-10,30-34; 34:27; Le 26:46; 27:34; De 31:9,24-25).
(2.) This also is the uniform and persistent testimony of the Jews of all sects in all ages and countries (comp. Jos 8:31-32; 1Ki 2:3; Jer 7:22; Ezr 6:18; Ne 8:1; Mal 4:4; Mt 22:24; Ac 15:21).
(3.) Our Lord plainly taught the Mosaic authorship of these books (Mt 5:17-18; 19:8; 22:31-32; 23:2; Mr 10:9; 12:26; Lu 16:31; 20:37; 24:26-27,44; Joh 3:14; 5:45-46,47; 6:32,49; 7:19,22). In the face of this fact, will any one venture to allege either that Christ was ignorant of the composition of the Bible, or that, knowing the true state of the case, he yet encouraged the people in the delusion they clung to?
(4.) From the time of Joshua down to the time of Ezra there is, in the intermediate historical books, a constant reference to the Pentateuch as the "Book of the Law of Moses." This is a point of much importance, inasmuch as the critics deny that there is any such reference; and hence they deny the historical character of the Pentateuch. As regards the Passover, e.g., we find it frequently spoken of or alluded to in the historical books following the Pentateuch, showing that the "Law of Moses" was then certainly known. It was celebrated in the time of Joshua (Jos 5:10, cf. Jos 4:19), Hezekiah (2Ch 30), Josiah (2Ki 23; 2Ch 35), and Zerubbabel (Ezr 6:19-22), and is referred to in such passages as 2Ki 23:22; 2Ch 35:18; 1Ki 9:25 ("three times in a year"); 2Ch 8:13. Similarly we might show frequent references to the Feast of Tabernacles and other Jewish institutions, although we do not admit that any valid argument can be drawn from the silence of Scripture in such a case. An examination of the following texts, 1Ki 2:9; 2Ki 14:6; 2Ch 23:18; 25:4; 34:14; Ezr 3:2; 7:6; Da 9:11,13, will also plainly show that the "Law of Moses" was known during all these centuries.
Granting that in the time of Moses there existed certain oral traditions or written records and documents which he was divinely led to make use of in his history, and that his writing was revised by inspired successors, this will fully account for certain peculiarities of expression which critics have called "anachronisms" and "contradictions," but in no way militates against the doctrine that Moses was the original author of the whole of the Pentateuch. It is not necessary for us to affirm that the whole is an original composition; but we affirm that the evidences clearly demonstrate that Moses was the author of those books which have come down to us bearing his name. The Pentateuch is certainly the basis and necessary preliminary of the whole of the Old Testament history and literature. (See Deuteronomy.)
See Verses Found in Dictionary
After the fight Jehovah said to Moses: Write an account of this victory and read it to Joshua. I want the Amalekites to be forgotten forever.
Moses told the people all Jehovah's words and legal decisions. Then all the people answered with one voice: We will do everything Jehovah told us to do. Moses wrote down all Jehovah's words. Early the next morning he built an altar at the foot of the mountain. He erected twelve sacred stones for the twelve tribes of Israel.
He took the book of the covenant, in which Jehovah's commandments were written, and read it aloud to the people. They said: We will obey Jehovah. We will do everything that he has commanded.
Jehovah said to Moses: Go down there. Your people whom you brought out of Egypt have corrupted themselves. They have already turned from the way I commanded them to live. They made a statue of a calf for themselves. They have bowed down to it and offered sacrifices to it. They said: Israel, here is your god who brought you out of Egypt.' read more. Jehovah added: I have seen these people. They have an iron sinew (stiff necked people) (are impossible to deal with). Now let me alone. Let my anger burn against them. I am so angry with them I am going to destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.
The next day Moses said to the people: You have committed a serious sin. Now I will go up the mountain to Jehovah. Maybe I will be able to make a payment for your sin and make atonement with Jehovah for your sin. So Moses went back to Jehovah and said: These people have committed such a serious sin! They made a god out of gold for themselves. read more. Will you forgive their sin? If not, please wipe me out of the book you have written. Jehovah answered Moses: I will wipe out of my book whoever sins against me. Now, go and lead the people to the place I told you about. My angel will go ahead of you. But on the day when I punish, I will punish them for their sin.
Jehovah told Moses: Put these laws in writing, as part of my agreement (covenant) with Israel.
These are the laws, rules, and instructions Jehovah gave to the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai.
These are the commandments Jehovah gave Moses on Mount Sinai for the Israelites.
Moses wrote this Law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi who carried the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah, and to all the elders of Israel.
Moses finished writing all the words of this Law in a book. He gave this command to the Levites who carried the Ark of Jehovah's Covenant:
The people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
The children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at evening in the plains of Jericho.
As Moses the servant of the Lord commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the Law of Moses, an altar of whole stones that have not been cut by any iron tool. They offered offerings to Jehovah, and sacrificed peace offerings. He wrote upon the stones a copy of the Law of Moses. He did this in the presence of the children of Israel.
However you must not let him go unpunished. You know what to do. You must make sure he is put to death.
Truly, such a Passover had not been kept in all the days of the judges of Israel or of the kings of Israel or the kings of Judah.
He did so according to the daily rule, offering them up according to the commandment of Moses, for the Sabbaths, the new moons and the three annual feasts, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths.
Then Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and his brothers the priests, and Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, with his brothers, got up and built the altar of the God of Israel for burned offerings. This was according to the Law of Moses, the man of God.
They put the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their order, for the worship of God at Jerusalem. This is recorded in the book of Moses. And the children of Israel who came back kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. read more. the priests and the Levites made themselves clean together. They were all clean when they put the Passover lamb to death for all those who had come back, and for their brothers the priests and for themselves. The children of Israel, who had come back, and all those who were joined to them, after separating themselves from the evil ways of the people of the land to become the servants of Jehovah, the God of Israel, ate together. They joyfully kept the feast of unleavened bread for seven days. Jehovah filled them with joy by turning the heart of the king of Assyria to them to give them help in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.
Ezra came from Babylon. He was a scribe (copyist) and an expert in the Law of Moses which Jehovah, the God of Israel, had given. The king was moved by Jehovah his God to give him whatever he requested.
When the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their towns. All the people came together like one man into the wide place in front of the Water Gate. They requested Ezra the scribe that he would bring them the book of the Law of Moses that Jehovah gave to Israel.
For I did not speak to your fathers, or command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Yes, all Israel have transgressed your law and turned aside, that they should not obey your voice. Therefore the curse has been poured out upon us. It is the oath that is written in the Law of Moses the servant of God. We have sinned against you.
As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this evil has come upon us. Yet we have not earnestly requested the favor of Jehovah our God. We should turn from our iniquities, and have discernment in your truth.
You should remember the Law of Moses my servant. I commanded the statutes and ordinances (regulations and judgments) to him at Horeb for all Israel.
Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I came, not to destroy, but to fulfill (perfect) (execute) (accomplish). I solemnly tell you, heaven and earth would pass away before one small letter (detail) will pass away from the Law. All things must be accomplished.
He answered: Moses allowed you to send your wives away because of your hardness of heart. It was not allowed from the beginning.
Teacher, Moses said if a man dies having no children, his brother should marry his wife, and bring up seed for his brother.
Concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you read that which was spoken to you by God? God said: 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' God is not the God of the dead, but of the living!
The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, he said.
That which God has joined together let not man take apart (separate).
It is a fact that the dead will be raised again. Have you not read the account of the burning bush in the book of Moses? Did you notice how God spoke to him, saying: I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
Abraham said: If they would not listen to Moses and the prophets, they would not listen to someone from the dead.
Even Moses showed that the dead are raised when he was near the bush and he called Jehovah the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Exodus 3:6-14)
Did the Christ need to suffer these things and enter into his glory? He explained to them all the Scriptures about the things concerning him. He spoke about Moses and all the prophets.
He said: These are my words that I spoke to you, while I was yet with you. All things must be fulfilled. They are things that are written in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets, and the Psalms, concerning me.
As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of man must also be lifted up.
Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Moses on whom you have set your hope is a plaintiff against you. It is a fact! If you believed Moses you would believe me. He wrote about me! read more. If you do not believe his writings how will you believe my words?
Jesus responded: I speak the truth! It was not Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven. My Father gives you the true bread out of heaven.
Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness and they died.
Did Moses give you the law? Yet none of you obey the law! Why do you seek to kill me?
Moses gave you circumcision. Not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers. And you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.
Moses has been preached in the synagogues from old times until now every Sabbath day.
Fausets
(See MOSES; LAW; GENESIS; EXODUS; LEVITICUS; NUMBERS; DEUTERONOMY.) A term meaning "five volumes" (teuchos in Alexandrian Greek "a book"); applied to the first five books of the Bible, in Tertullian and Origen. "The book of the law" in De 34:12; 29:21; 30:10; 31:26; "the book of the law of Moses," Jos 23:6; Ne 8:1; in Ezr 7:6, "the law of Moses," "the book of Moses" (Ezr 6:18). The Jews now call it Torah "the law," literally, the directory in Lu 24:27 "Moses" stands for his book.
The division into five books is probably due to the Septuagint, for the names of the five books, Genesis, Exodus, etc., are Greek not Hebrew. The Jews name each book from its first word; the Pentateuch forms one roll, divided, not into books, but into larger and smaller sections Parshiyoth and Sedorim. They divide its precepts into 248 positive, and 365 negative, 248 being the number of parts the rabbis assign the body, 365 the days of the year. As a mnemonic they carry a square cloth with fringes (tsitsit = 600 in Hebrew) consisting of eight threads and five knots, 613 in all. The five of the Pentateuch answer to the five books of the psalter, and the five megilloth of the hagiographa (Song, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther).
MOSES' AUTHORSHIP. After the battle with Amalek (Ex 17:14) "Jehovah said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in the Book," implying there was a regular account kept in a well known book. Also Ex 24:4, "Moses wrote all the words of Jehovah"; (Ex 34:27) "Jehovah said unto Moses, Write thou these words" distinguished from Ex 34:28, "He (Jehovah) wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments" (Ex 34:1). Nu 33:2 "Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of Jehovah." In De 17:18-19, the king is required to "write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests, the Levites"; and De 31:9-11, "Moses wrote this law and delivered it unto the priests, the son of Levi," who should "at the end of every seven years read this law before all Israel in their hearing"; and De 31:24," Moses made an end of writing the words of this law in a book," namely, the whole Pentateuch ("the law," Mt 22:40; Ga 4:21), "and commanded the Levites ... put it in the side of the ark that it may be a witness against thee," as it proved under Josiah.
The two tables of the Decalogue were IN the ark (1Ki 8:9); the book of the law, the Pentateuch, was laid up in the holy of holies, close by the ark, probably in a chest (2Ki 22:8,18-19). The book of the law thus written by Moses and handed to the priests ends at De 31:23; the rest of the book of Deuteronomy is an appendix added after Moses' death by another hand, excepting the song and blessing, Moses' own composition. Moses speaks of "this law" and "the book of this law" as some definite volume which he had written for his people (De 28:61; 29:19-20,29). He uses the third person of himself, as John does in the New Testament He probably dictated much of it to Joshua or some scribe, who subsequently added the account of Moses' death and a few explanatory insertions. The recension by Ezra (and the great synagogue, Buxtori "Tiberius," 1:10, Tertullian De Cultu Fem. 3, Jerome ad Helvid.) may have introduced the further explanations which appear post Mosaic.
Moses probably uses patriarchal documents, as e.g. genealogies for Genesis; these came down through Shem and Abraham to Joseph and Israel in Egypt. That writing existed ages before Moses is proved by the tomb of Chnumhotep at Benihassan, of the twelfth dynasty, representing a scribe presenting to the governor a roll of papyrus covered with inscriptions dated the sixth year of Osirtasin II long before the Exodus. The papyrus found by M. Prisse in the hieratic character is considered the oldest of existing manuscripts and is attributed to a prince of the fifth dynasty; weighed down with age, he invokes Osiris to enable him to give mankind the fruits of his long experience. It contains two treatises, the first, of 12 pages, the end of a work of which the former part is lost, the second by a prince, son of the king next before Assa, in whose reign the work was composed. The Greek alphabet borrows its names of letters and order from the Semitic; those names have a meaning in Semitic, none in Greek Tradition made Cadmus ("the Eastern") introduce them into Greece from Phoenicia (Herodot. 5:58).
Joshua took a Hittite city, Kirjath Sepher, "the city of the book" (Jos 15:15), and changed the name to Debir of kindred meaning. Pertaour, a scribe under Rameses the Great, in an Iliadlike poem engraved on the walls of Karnak mentions Chirapsar, of the Khota or Hittites, a writer of books. From the terms for "write," "book," "ink," being in all Semitic dialects, it follows they must have been known to the earliest Shemites before they branched off into various tribes and nations. Moses, Israel's wise leader, would therefore be sure to commit to writing their laws, their wonderful antecedents and ancestry, and the Divine promises from the beginning connected with them, and their fulfillment in Egypt, in the Exodus, and in the wilderness, in order to evoke their national spirit. Israel would certainly have a written history at a time when the Hittites among whom Israel settled were writers.
Moreover, from Joshua downward the Old Testament books abound in references to the laws, history, and words of Moses, as such, universally accepted. They are ordered to be read continually (Jos 1:7-8); "all the law which Moses My servant commanded ... this book of the law" (Jos 8:31,34; 23:6). In Jos 1:3-8,13-18 the words of De 11:24-25; 31:6-12, and De 3:18-20 Nu 32:20-28, are quoted. Israel's constitution in church and state accords with that established by Moses. The priesthood is in Aaron's family (Jos 14:1). "Eleazar," Aaron's son, succeeds to his father's exalted position and with Joshua divides the land (Jos 21:1), as Nu 34:17 ordained; the Levites discharge their duties, scattered among the tribes and having 48 cities, as Jehovah by Moses commanded (Nu 35:7). So the tabernacle made by Moses is set up at Shiloh (Jos 18:1). The sacrifices (Jos 8:31; 22:23,27,29) are those enjoined (Leviticus 1; 2; 3).
The altar built (Jos 8:30-31; Ex 20:25) is "as Moses commanded ... in the book of the law of Moses." Compare also as to the ark, Jos 3:3,6,8; 7:6; circumcision, Jos 5:2; Passover, Jos 5:10; with the Pentateuch. There is the same general assembly or congregation and princes (9/18/type/nsb'>Jos 9:18-21; 20:6,9; 22:30; Ex 16:22); the same elders of Israel (Jos 7:6; De 31:9); elders of the city (De 25:8; Jos 20:4); judges and officers (Jos 8:33; De 16:18); heads of thousands (Jos 22:21; Nu 1:16). Bodies taken down from hanging (Jos 8:29; 10:27; De 21:23). No league with Canaan (Joshua 9; Ex 23:32). Cities of refuge (Joshua 20; Nu 35:11-15; De 4:41-43; 19:2-7). Inheritance to Zelophebad's daughters (Jos 17:3; Numbers 27; 36).
So in Judges Moses' laws are referred to (Jg 2:1-3,11-12,20; 6/8/type/nsb'>6:8-10; 20:2,6,13; De 13:6,12-14; 22:21). The same law and worship appear in Judges as in Pentateuch. Judah takes the lead (Jg 1:2; 20:18; Ge 49:8; Nu 2:3; 10:14). The judge's office is as Moses defined it (De 17:9). Gideon recognizes the theocracy, as Moses ordained (Jg 8:22-23; Ex 19:5-6; De 17:14,20; 33:5). The tabernacle is at Shiloh (Jg 18:31); Israel goes up to the house of God and consults the high priest with Urim and Thummim (Jg 20:23,26-28; Ex 28:30; Nu 27:21; De 12:5). The ephod is the priest's garment (Jg 8:27; 17:5; 18:14-17).
The Levites scattered through Israel are the recognized ministers (Jg 17:7-13; 19:1-2). Circumcision is Israel's distinguishing badge (Jg 14:3; 15:18). Historical rereferences to the Pentateuch abound (Jg 1:16,20,23; 2:1,10; 6:13), especially Jg 11:15-27 epitomizes Numbers 20; 21; De 2:1-8,26-34; compare the language Jg 2 with Ex 34:13; Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28; De 7:2,8; 12:3; Jg 5:4-5 with De 33:2; 32:16-17. In the two books of Samuel the law and Pentateuch are the basis. Eli, high priest, is sprung from Aaron through Ithamar (1Ch 24:3; 2Sa 8:17; 1Ki 2:27). The transfer from Eli's descendants back to Eleazar's line fulfills Nu 25
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Then God said: Let us make man in our image, in our likeness. Let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth and over all the creatures that move along the ground.
Then God said: Let us make man in our image, in our likeness. Let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth and over all the creatures that move along the ground. God created man in his own image. In the image of God he created him. He created male and female. read more. God blessed them and said to them: Be fruitful and increase in number. Fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and dominate the birds of the air. Have dominion over every living creature that moves on the ground.
Jehovah God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. The man became a living being. Now Jehovah God planted a garden in the east, in Eden. He put the man he had formed there. read more. Jehovah God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground, trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Jehovah God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground, trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river watering the garden flowed from Eden. From there it was separated into four headwaters. read more. The name of the first river is the Pishon. It winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. The gold of that land is good. Bdellium and onyx stone are also there. The name of the second river is the Gihon. It winds through the entire land of Cush. The name of the third river is the Tigris. It runs along the east side of Asshur. The fourth river is the Euphrates. Jehovah God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Jehovah God commanded the man: You are free to eat from any tree in the garden. But you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. When you eat of it you will surely die.
So Jehovah God said to the serpent: Because you have done this you are cursed above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.
I will require your lifeblood as an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. I will demand an accounting from each man for the life of his fellow man.
King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.
He brought him outside and said: Look toward heaven and count the stars. Are you able to count them? He continued: So shall your descendants be.
They shall come back here in the fourth generation. The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.
Then they blinded the men of Sodom so they could not find the doorway.
The second one was born holding on tightly to the heel of Esau. He was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when they were born.
As soon as the sun went down he stopped for the night. He took one of the stones from that place, put it under his head, and lay down there.
You did not even let me give a kiss to my sons and my daughters. This was a foolish thing you did.
Then Jacob was by himself. A man was fighting with him till dawn.
While Israel lived in that region, Reuben went to bed with his father's concubine Bilhah. Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons.
These were the sons of Zibeon: both Aiah and Anah. This was the Anah who found the water in the wilderness as he pastured the donkeys of his father Zibeon.
Joseph's master saw that Jehovah was with him. Jehovah made him succeed in everything he did.
The jailer did not worry about anything, because Jehovah was with Joseph and made him successful in all that he did.
They said to one another: Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw his distress when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen. Therefore this distress has come upon us.
If we had not waited so long, we could have made this trip twice by now.
Israel said to Joseph: I never expected to see you again. Now God has even let me see your sons.
You are like a raging flood. But you will not be the most important, for you slept with my concubine. You dishonored your father's bed.
I will not join in their secret talks. I will not take part in their meetings. They killed people in anger. They crippled bulls for sport.
Judah, your brothers will praise you. You hold your enemies by the neck. Your brothers will bow down before you.
They made their lives bitter with backbreaking work in mortar and bricks and every kind of work in the fields. All the jobs the Egyptians gave them were brutally hard work.
When she could not hide him any longer, she took a basket made of papyrus reeds and coated it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in it and set it among the papyrus reeds near the bank of the Nile River.
I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses covered his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
Do not give the people any more straw to make bricks as you have been doing. Let them gather their own straw. Insist that they make the same number of bricks they were making before. Making fewer bricks will not be acceptable. They are lazy! That is why they are crying: Let us go offer sacrifices to our God.
Get back to work! You will not be given straw, but you must still make the same number of bricks.
When you enter the land Jehovah will give you, as he has promised, you shall observe this rite. When your children ask you: What does this rite mean to you? read more. You shall say: 'It is a Passover sacrifice to Jehovah who passed over the houses of the sons of Israel in Egypt when He killed the Egyptians, but spared our homes. The people bowed low and worshiped.'
Jehovah said to Moses: Consecrate (appoint) (sanctify) all the first-born males to me. Every first-born male Israelite and every first-born male animal belongs to me! read more. Moses said to the people: Remember this day in the month of Abib. It is the day Jehovah's mighty power rescued you from slavery in Egypt. Do not eat anything made with yeast. You are going out this day in the month Abib. Jehovah shall bring you into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. He swore to your fathers to give you this land flowing with milk and honey. You shall observe this rite in this month.
Jehovah went in front of them in a pillar of cloud to show them the way during the day. He went in front of them in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel at night.
Who among the gods is like you Jehovah? Who is like you, wonderful in holiness? Who can work wonders and mighty acts like yours?
The sixth day they gathered twice as much food, four quarts for each person. All the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses about it. (Mark 15:42)
Moses said to Joshua: Choose some of our men. Then fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill. I will hold in my hand the staff God told me to take along.
After the fight Jehovah said to Moses: Write an account of this victory and read it to Joshua. I want the Amalekites to be forgotten forever.
Moses sent his wife Zipporah and her two sons to stay with Jethro. Jethro welcomed them.
You and your people will wear yourselves out. This is too much work for you. You cannot do it alone!
If you will obey me and are faithful to the terms of my covenant, then out of all the nations you will be my own special possession, for all the earth is mine.
If you will obey me and are faithful to the terms of my covenant, then out of all the nations you will be my own special possession, for all the earth is mine. You will be my kingdom of priests and my holy nation. These are the words you must speak to the children of Israel.'
On the morning of the third day there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain. A very loud trumpet sounded. It caused all the people in the camp to tremble.
I show mercy (loving kindness) to thousands of generations of those who love me and obey my commandments.
If you make an altar of stone for me, do not build it out of cut stones. This is because when you use a chisel on stones, you make them unfit for my use.
When you lend money to any of my people who are poor, do not act like a moneylender and require him to pay interest.
Do not delay the offering from your harvest and your vintage. Give the firstborn of your sons to me.
Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe makes the discerning blind to what is right and perverts the words of the righteous.
Listen to everything Jehovah has said to you. Do not pray to other gods! Do not even mention their names.
I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place that I have prepared. Be on your guard before him and obey his voice. Do not be rebellious toward him. He will not pardon your transgression, since my name is in him. (He has my honor, authority and character) read more. If you truly obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. My messenger will go ahead of you. I will lead you to the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites. I will wipe them out.
Do not make any agreement with them or with their gods.
Moses wrote down all Jehovah's words. Early the next morning he built an altar at the foot of the mountain. He erected twelve sacred stones for the twelve tribes of Israel. Moses sent young men to burn sacrifices to Jehovah. They sacrificed some cattle as peace offerings.
Make fifty gold fasteners. Use them to link the two sets of curtains together so that the tent is a single unit.
Place a horn at each of its four corners. The four horns and the altar must be made out of one piece of wood covered with copper.
Command the Israelites that the lighting must be provided by pure virgin olive oil so that the lamps will not go out. Keep the lamps lit in the tent of meeting outside the canopy where the words of my covenant are. Aaron and his descendants must keep the lamps lit in Jehovah's presence from evening until morning. This is a long lasting law among the Israelites for generations to come.
Put the Urim and Thummim into the breast piece for decision-making. They, too, will be over Aaron's heart when he comes into Jehovah's presence. In this way when he is in Jehovah's presence, Aaron will always be carrying over his heart the means for determining Jehovah's decisions for the Israelites.
Weave the tunic of checkered work of fine linen. Make a turban of fine linen and a sash, the work of a weaver. Make linen robes, belts, and turbans for Aaron's sons. These clothes will give them dignity and honor. read more. Dress your brother Aaron and his sons in these clothes and anoint them, ordain them, and set them apart to serve me as priests. Make linen undergarments to cover them down to their thighs.
Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two one year old lambs each day, continuously.
Once a year Aaron must make atonement with Jehovah by putting blood on its horns. Once a year for generations to come blood from the offering must be placed on the altar to make atonement with Jehovah. It is most holy to Jehovah.
Aaron and his sons will use it for washing their hands and feet. Before they go into the tent of meeting, they must wash so that they will not die. Before they come near the altar to serve as priests and burn an offering by fire to Jehovah.
and make sacred anointing oil, mixed like perfume.
Sprinkle Aaron and his sons with this oil when you ordain them as my priests.
Speak to the people of Israel. Say: 'You must observe my Sabbaths. This is a sign between you and me throughout your generations that you may know that I am Jehovah, the one who sanctifies you.
The sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. About three thousand men died that day.
Jehovah said to Moses: Cut two more stone tablets like the first ones. I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets that you smashed.
Jehovah then passed in front of him and called out: I, Jehovah, am a God who is full of compassion and pity. I am not easily angered and show great love and faithfulness.
I will force out the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. You must do what I command you today.
Instead tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and cut down their Asherim.
I will force nations out of your way and will expand your country's borders. No one will want to take away your land while you are gone three times a year to Jehovah's festivals.
Jehovah told Moses: Put these laws in writing, as part of my agreement (covenant) with Israel. Moses was there with Jehovah forty days and forty nights. He did not eat bread or drink water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments (Ten Words).
He made the laver (basin) of copper with its base of copper, from the mirrors of the serving women who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting.
Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tabernacle, and have them take a ritual bath. Dress Aaron in the priestly garments and anoint him. Consecrate him so that he can serve me as priest. read more. Bring his sons and put the shirts on them. Anoint them just as you anointed their father that they can serve me as priests. This anointing will make them priests for generations to come.
Finally, he will take the bird by its wings, tear it partially open, and send it up in smoke with a smell that pleases Jehovah.
Every grain offering you bring to Jehovah must be made without yeast. Do not use yeast or honey in food offered to Jehovah.
In my presence, he will smear some of the blood on each of the four corners of the incense altar, before pouring out the rest at the foot of the copper altar near the entrance to the tent.
Then bring your guilt offering to Jehovah. Bring a ram that has no defects or its value in money. Bring it to the priest. The priest will pay compensation for your wrong and make peace with Jehovah. Then you will be forgiven for whatever you did that made you guilty.
Every grain offering, whether baked in an oven or prepared in a skillet or a frying pan, belongs to the priest who offers it.
If you offer it as a thank offering, you must also bring rings of unleavened bread mixed with oil, wafers of unleavened bread brushed with oil, and loaves made from flour mixed well with oil. In addition to these rings of bread, you must bring leavened bread (with yeast) along with your fellowship offering of thanksgiving.
You must learn the difference (distinction) between what is holy and what is not holy and between the clean and the unclean.
You remain unclean as long as you have the disease. You must live outside the camp, away from others.
When you come to Canaan that I am going to give to you, mildew may appear in a house.
Those who touch anything she sits on must wash their clothes and their bodies. They will be unclean until evening.
Jehovah said: Tell your brother Aaron that he cannot go into the holy place whenever he wants to. If he goes up to the canopy and stands in front of the throne of mercy on the Ark, he will die. This is because I appear in the smoke above the throne of mercy.
Do not follow the customs of Egypt where you used to live or those of Canaan where I am bringing you.
Do not become unclean in any of these ways. By these practices all the nations that I am forcing out of your way have become unclean. The land has become unclean. I will punish it for its sins. The land will vomit out those who live in it. read more. Live by my standards, and obey my rules. Neither you nor any foreigner should ever do any of these disgusting things. The people of the land who were there before you did all these disgusting things. As a result, the land has become unclean. If you make the land unclean, it will vomit you out as it has vomited out the people who were there before you.
Never gossip. Never endanger your neighbor's life. I am Jehovah.
When you come into the land and plant all kinds of fruit trees, you must not eat the fruit for the first three years.
Do not be corrupt when administering justice concerning length, weight, or measuring liquid. Use honest scales, honest weights, and honest measures. I am Jehovah your God who brought you out of Egypt.
If you carefully obey all my laws and my rules, the land I am bringing you to live in will not vomit you out.
That is why you must make a difference between animals and birds that I have said are clean and unclean. This will keep you from becoming disgusting to me.
Tell Aaron and his sons that they must respect the holy offerings that the Israelites set apart for me. In this way they will not dishonor my holy name. I am Jehovah.
Speak to Aaron, his sons, and all the Israelites, and tell them: 'Israelites or foreigners may bring burnt offerings to Jehovah for anything they vowed or as freewill offerings. The offering must be a male that has no defects from your cattle, sheep, or goats in order to be accepted. read more. Do not bring any animal with a physical defect. This is because it will not be acceptable for you. A person may bring Jehovah a peace offering to fulfill a vow or for a freewill offering. Whether it is from the cattle, sheep, or goats, it must be an animal that has no defects in order to be acceptable. It must never be an animal that has defects.
Tell the Israelites: 'When you come to the land I am going to give you and you harvest grain, bring a bundle of the first grain you harvest to the priest.
Command the Israelites to bring you pure, virgin olive oil for the lamp stand so that the lamps will not go out. Aaron must keep the lamps lit in the Tent of Meeting from evening until morning. This is outside the canopy where the words of my covenant are in Jehovah's presence. It is a long lasting law for generations to come.
Jehovah spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai and commanded: Give the following regulations to the people of Israel: 'When you enter the land that Jehovah is giving you, honor Jehovah by not cultivating the land every seventh year.
I will give you my blessing in the sixth year so that the land will produce enough for three years.
No land may be permanently bought or sold. It all belongs to me! It is not your land! You only live there for a little while.
No land may be permanently bought or sold. It all belongs to me! It is not your land! You only live there for a little while.
Do not collect interest or make any profit from him. Respect your God by respecting other Israelites' lives.
If an Israelite becomes poor and sells himself to you, do not work him like a slave.
I will make your land so deserted that your enemies will be shocked as they settle in it. I will scatter you among the nations. War will follow you. Your country will be in ruins. Your cities will be deserted. read more. Then the land will enjoy its time to honor Jehovah while it lies deserted. You will be in your enemies' land. Then the land will joyfully celebrate its time to honor Jehovah. All the days it lies deserted, it will celebrate the time to honor Jehovah it never celebrated while you lived there.
These are the laws, rules, and instructions Jehovah gave to the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai.
These are the commandments Jehovah gave Moses on Mount Sinai for the Israelites.
These were the men chosen from the congregation. They were the leaders of their ancestors' tribes, and heads of the divisions of Israel.
On the east side, facing the rising sun, the armies led by Judah will camp under their flag. The leader for the people of Judah is Nahshon, son of Amminadab.
Jehovah said to Moses: Tell the Israelites: 'A man or a woman may make a special vow to live as a Nazirite dedicated to Jehovah. read more. Nazirites must never drink wine, liquor, vinegar made from wine or liquor, or any kind of grape juice. They must never eat fresh grapes or raisins. As long as they are Nazirites they must never eat anything that comes from a grapevine, not even grape seeds or skins. As long as they are under the Nazirite vow no razor may touch their heads. During the entire time that they are dedicated to Jehovah as Nazirites, they will be holy. They must let their hair grow long. While they are dedicated to Jehovah as Nazirites, they must never go near a dead body. Even if their own father, mother, brother, or sister dies, they must not make themselves unclean by going near them. Nazarites show their vow to God with their long hair. As long as they are Nazirites, they will be holy to Jehovah. Someone might suddenly drop dead next to a Nazirite and make the Nazirite's hair unclean. Seven days later he must shave his head in order to be declared clean. The eighth day he must bring two mourning doves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting. The priest will sacrifice one as an offering for sin and the other one as a burnt offering. The priest will pay compensation for the wrongdoing and make peace with Jehovah for the person who touched the dead body. That same day the person must dedicate his head again. Once again he will dedicate himself to Jehovah as a Nazirite for the same length of time as before. He must bring a one-year-old male lamb as an offering for guilt. The first time period will not count. He has to start over from when he became unclean. These are the instructions for Nazirites to complete their vows: They must come to the entrance of the tent of meeting. They are to bring these offerings to Jehovah: a one-year-old male lamb as a burnt offering, a one-year-old female lamb as an offering for sin, and a ram as a fellowship offering. All of these animals must have no defects. They must also bring a basket of unleavened bread containing some rings of bread made with olive oil and wafers of unleavened bread brushed with olive oil, along with other grain offerings and wine offerings. The priest will bring these offerings to Jehovah. He will make the offering for sin and the burnt offering. He will sacrifice the ram as a fellowship offering to Jehovah. He will offer the basket of unleavened bread along with it, and make the grain offerings and wine offerings. The Nazirites will shave their heads at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Then they will take the hair as proof that they had made this vow, and put it on the fire under the fellowship offering. The priest will take one of the shoulders from a boiled ram, one ring of unleavened bread from the basket, and one wafer of unleavened bread and hand them to the Nazirites after they have shaved off their hair. The priest will present them as an offering to Jehovah. They are holy and belong to the priest, along with the ram's breast that is presented and the thigh that is given. After that, the Nazirites may drink wine.' These are the instructions for those who have vowed to bring their offerings to Jehovah as Nazirites. They must bring these offerings in addition to anything else they can afford. They must fulfill the requirements of these instructions for Nazirites and finish whatever they vowed to do.
Jehovah will look on you with favor and give you peace!
This is what you must do to make them clean: Sprinkle them with water to take away their sins. Make them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes. Then they will be clean.
Joyful occasions such as your New Moon Festivals and your other religious festivals, you are to blow the trumpets when you present your burnt offerings and your fellowship offerings. Then I will help you. I AM JEHOVAH YOUR GOD!
They were in the same order each time they moved. Those under the banner of the division led by the tribe of Judah started out first, company by company, with Nahshon son of Amminadab in command.
When the Ark of the Covenant started out, Moses would say: ARISE, JEHOVAH; scatter your enemies and put to flight those who hate you!
They spread lies among the Israelites about the land they had explored. They said: The land we explored is one that devours those who live there. All the people we saw there are very tall.
They said to the entire congregation of Israel: The land we explored is very good. If Jehovah is pleased with us, he will take us there and give us that rich and fertile land.
The men Moses sent to explore the land died in front of Jehovah from a plague.
the following regulations for the people of Israel. They are to observe them in the land he was going to give them.
Korah son of Izhar, Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth dared to challenge Moses. Korah was a descendant of Kohath and Levi. Dathan, Abiram, and On were descendants of Reuben.
Jehovah said to Aaron: I have placed you in charge of all the contributions given to me. I have given you and your descendants all the holy gifts from the Israelites as your share. These contributions will be yours from generation to generation. That part of the most holy offerings that is not burned belongs to you. It may come from a grain offering, an offering for sin, or a guilt offering. Whatever is brought to me, as a most holy offering will belong to you and your sons. read more. Eat it in a most holy place. Any male may eat it. You must consider it holy. The contributions that come as gifts taken from the offerings presented by the Israelites are also yours. I give these to you, your sons, and your daughters. They will be yours from generation to generation. Anyone in your household who is clean may eat them. I also give you the first of the produce they give Jehovah. It is the best of all the olive oil and the best of the new wine and fresh grain. The first of all produce harvested in their land that they bring to Jehovah are yours. Anyone in your household who is clean may eat it. Anything in Israel that is claimed by Jehovah is yours. Every firstborn male, human or animal that is brought to Jehovah is yours. But you must buy back every firstborn son and the firstborn male of any unclean animal. When they are one month old, you must buy them back at the fixed price of two ounces of silver using the standard weight of the holy place. You must never buy back a firstborn bull, sheep, or goat. They are holy. Throw the blood from these animals against the altar. Burn the fat as an offering by fire, a soothing aroma to Jehovah. The meat is yours, like the breast and the right thigh that are presented. I have given you, your sons, and your daughters all the holy contributions which the Israelites offer to Jehovah. These contributions will be yours from generation to generation. It is an everlasting promise of salt in Jehovah's presence for you and your descendants.
When you contribute the best part, you will not suffer the consequences of any sin. You will not be dishonoring the holy offerings given by the Israelites, and you will not die.'
I will make sure you are richly rewarded. I will do whatever you ask. Please, come and curse (execrate) these people for me.'
The descendants of Jacob are like specks of dust. Who can count them or number even one-fourth of the people of Israel? Let me die the death of innocent people. Let my end be like theirs.'
Jehovah continued speaking to Moses: Jehovah said to Moses: Phinehas, son of Eleazar and grandson of the priest Aaron, turned my fury away from the Israelites. Since he stood up for me, I did not have to stand up for myself and destroy them. read more. Tell Phinehas that I now make a promise of peace to him. My promise is that he and his descendants will be priests for a very long time because he stood up for his God. He made peace with Jehovah for the Israelites.
and can command them in battle. Do not allow your congregation to be like sheep without a shepherd.
He will depend on Eleazar the priest, who will learn my will by using the Urim and Thummim. In this way Eleazar will direct Joshua and the whole congregation of Israel in all their affairs.
These are the food offerings that are to be presented to Jehovah: for the daily burnt offering, two one-year-old male lambs without any defects. Offer the first lamb in the morning, and the second in the evening,
Moses answered: If you really mean what you say, then here in the presence of Jehovah get ready to go into battle. All your fighting men are to cross the Jordan and under Jehovah's command they are to attack our enemies until Jehovah defeats them read more. and takes possession of the land. You may return after that, because you will have fulfilled your obligation to Jehovah and to the other Israelites. Then Jehovah will acknowledge that this land east of the Jordan is yours. If you do not keep your promise, I warn you that you will be sinning against Jehovah. Do not doubt this, you will be punished for your sin. So build your towns and the enclosures for your sheep, but do what you have promised! The men from Reuben and Gad answered Moses: Sir, we will do just what you have said. Our wives, children, sheep and cattle will stay here in the towns in Gilead. However those of us prepared for battle will cross the Jordan and fight for Jehovah. Moses said to Eleazar, Joshua, and the family leaders:
Jehovah command Moses to wrote down the places where they went as they traveled. This is the list:
the following instructions for the people of Israel: When you enter Canaan, the land I am giving you, these are the borders of your territory.
These are the names of the men who will divide the land for you: the priest Eleazar and Joshua son of Nun.
Tell the Israelites to give the Levites some cities from their own property. They must also give the Levites the pastureland around those cities. The Levites will have cities to live in and pastureland for their cattle, the flocks they own, and any other animals they have. read more. The land around the cities that you give the Levites will extend fifteen hundred feet from the city wall. Outside the city measure off three thousand feet on the east side, three thousand feet on the south side, three thousand feet on the west side, and three thousand feet on the north side, with the city in the center. This will be their pastureland around the city. Six of the cities you give the Levites will be cities of refuge. You must allow murderers to escape to these cities. In addition, you must also give the Levites forty-two other cities. You will give a total of forty-eight cities with pastureland to the Levites.
You will give a total of forty-eight cities with pastureland to the Levites. The cities you give the Levites from the property of the other Israelites must be given based on the amount of land each tribe owns. Take more cities from larger tribes and fewer from smaller tribes. read more. Jehovah continued to speak to Moses: Tell the Israelites: When you cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan, select certain cities to be places of refuge. Anyone who unintentionally kills another person may run to them.
select certain cities to be places of refuge. Anyone who unintentionally kills another person may run to them. These cities will be places of refuge from any relative who can avenge the death. So anyone accused of murder will not have to die until he has had a trial in front of the community.
These cities will be places of refuge from any relative who can avenge the death. So anyone accused of murder will not have to die until he has had a trial in front of the community. There will be six cities you select as places of refuge.
There will be six cities you select as places of refuge. Three will be on the east side of the Jordan River and three in Canaan.
Three will be on the east side of the Jordan River and three in Canaan. These six cities will be places of refuge for Israelites, foreigners, and strangers among you. Anyone who unintentionally kills another person may flee to these cities.
These six cities will be places of refuge for Israelites, foreigners, and strangers among you. Anyone who unintentionally kills another person may flee to these cities. If any of you uses an iron weapon to kill another person, you are a murderer. Murderers must be put to death. read more. If any of you picks up a stone as a weapon and uses it to kill another person, you are a murderer. Murderers must be put to death. And if any of you picks up a piece of wood as a weapon and uses it to kill another person, you are a murderer. Murderers must be put to death. The relative who can avenge the death must make sure a murderer is put to death. When he catches up with the murderer, he must kill him. If any of you kills someone you hate by shoving him or by deliberately throwing something at him, or if you beat your enemy to death with your bare hands, you must be put to death. You are a murderer. The relative who can avenge the death must kill you when he catches up with you, because you are a murderer. Should you accidentally kill someone who was not your enemy. Maybe you shoved him or threw something at him but did not mean to kill him. Or if you drop a big stone, and someone is killed. However, you did not know the person was there, he was not your enemy, and you were not trying to harm him. Then the community must use these rules in order to decide if you are innocent or if the dead person's relative can avenge the death. If you are innocent, the community must protect you from that relative. They must take you back to the city of refuge you fled to. You must live there until the death of the chief priest who was anointed with the holy oil. But do not go outside the city of refuge you fled to. If the relative who can avenge the death finds you outside the city of refuge and kills you, the relative is not guilty of murder. Accused murderers must stay in their city of refuge until the death of the chief priest. They may go back to their own property only after his death. These rules apply to you and your descendants wherever you may live. Those accused of murder may be found guilty and put to death only on the evidence of two or more witnesses. The evidence of one witness is not sufficient to support an accusation of murder.
Those accused of murder may be found guilty and put to death only on the evidence of two or more witnesses. The evidence of one witness is not sufficient to support an accusation of murder. Murderers must be put to death. They cannot escape this penalty by the payment of money. read more. If they have fled to a city of refuge, do not allow them to make a payment in order to return home before the death of the High Priest. If you did this, you would defile the land where you are living. Murder defiles the land, and except by the death of the murderer there is no way to perform the ritual of purification for the land where someone has been murdered.
If you did this, you would defile the land where you are living. Murder defiles the land, and except by the death of the murderer there is no way to perform the ritual of purification for the land where someone has been murdered. Do not defile the land where you are living! I am Jehovah and I live among the people of Israel.
Do not defile the land where you are living! I am Jehovah and I live among the people of Israel.
Every woman who inherits property in an Israelite tribe must marry a man belonging to that tribe. In this way all Israelites will inherit the property of their ancestors,
These are the commandments and rules Jehovah gave the Israelites through Moses on the plains of Moab near the Jordan River across from Jericho.
We went back into the desert. We followed the road that leads to the Red Sea as Jehovah told me. For a long time we traveled around the region of Mount Seir. Then Jehovah said to me: read more. You traveled around this mountain long enough. Now go north. Give these instructions to the people: You will pass through the territory of your relatives, the descendants of Esau. They live in Seir. They will be afraid of you. Therefore watch yourselves carefully. Do not start a fight with them, because I am not giving you any of their land, not so much as one foot. I gave Esau's descendants the region of Mount Seir as their property. You must pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink. Remember how Jehovah your God blessed you in everything you have done. He took care of you as you wandered through this vast desert. He has been with you these forty years. You had everything you needed.' We moved on and left the road that goes from the towns of Elath and Eziongeber to the Dead Sea. We turned northeast toward Moab.
I sent messengers from the desert of Kedemoth to King Sihon of Heshbon with the following offer of peace: If you allow us to travel through your country, we will go straight through and will not leave the road. read more. We will pay you in silver for the food we eat and the water we drink. Please let us go through, as the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir, and the Moabites, who live in Ar, did for us. We will keep going until we cross the Jordan River into the land Jehovah our God is giving us.' King Sihon of Heshbon would not allow us to pass through. Jehovah your God made him stubborn and overconfident in order to hand him over to you, as he has now done. Then Jehovah said to me: 'I make King Sihon and his land helpless before you. Capture his land and occupy it.' Sihon came out with all his men to fight us near the town of Jahaz, and Jehovah our God helped us defeat them. We killed Sihon, his sons, and all his people. We captured and destroyed every town in Sihon's kingdom. We killed everyone.
Then I gave them the following instructions: 'Jehovah our God gave you the land east of the Jordan to occupy. Now arm your fighting men and send them across the Jordan ahead of the other tribes of Israel, to help them occupy their land. Your wives, children, and livestock, for you have a lot of livestock, will remain behind in the towns I assigned to you. read more. Help the other Israelites until they occupy the land Jehovah is giving them west of the Jordan and until Jehovah lets them live there in peace, just as he has done here for you. After that, you may return to the land I assigned to you.'
Israel, listen to these laws and teachings! If you obey them you will live! Go in and take the land that Jehovah the God of your fathers is giving you. He is your God. I am telling you everything he has commanded. So do not add anything or take anything away.
But all of you who were faithful to Jehovah your God are still alive today.
Moses set aside three cities on the east side of the Jordan. Those who unintentionally killed someone whom they had never hated could flee to one of these cities and save their lives. read more. The cities were Bezer on the desert plateau for the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead for the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan for the tribe of Manasseh.
It shall be like the time when Jehovah your God brought you into the land he promised to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. He would give you large and beautiful cities that you did not build.
Jehovah your God will bring you into the land you are to possess. He will clear away many nations ahead of you. The nations he will clear: the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, and the Canaanites, the Perizzites, Hivites, and the Jebusites. These seven nations are larger and mightier than you. Jehovah your God will deliver them to you. You must crush them! Completely destroy them. You should make no covenant with them. Do not show them mercy.
You were chosen because Jehovah loved you and kept the oath he swore to your fathers. So he used his mighty hand to bring you out. He freed you from slavery under Pharaoh king of Egypt. Keep in mind that Jehovah your God is the only true God. He is the faithful God. He keeps his promise and is merciful to thousands of generations of those who love him and obey his commandments.
He was the one who led you through that vast and dangerous wilderness. It was a parched, arid land, with poisonous snakes and scorpions. He was the one who made water come out of solid rock for you.
Hear, O Israel, you are about to cross the Jordan River. You will force out nations that are larger and mightier than you, with big cities that have sky-high walls.
Behold, heaven and the highest heavens belong to Jehovah your God, even the earth and all that is in it.
Circumcise your heart, and do not stiffen your neck. (Circumcise: Cut short the foreskin.) (Remove hardness of the heart.)
Every place on which the sole of your foot treads will be yours. Your border will be from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the river, the river Euphrates, as far as the western sea. No man will be able to stand before you. Jehovah your God will lay the dread of you and the fear of you on all the land where you set foot. This is as he promised you.
Tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars. Burn their Asherah poles with fire. Cut down the carved images of their gods and obliterate their name from that place.
You should seek Jehovah at the place Jehovah your God chooses out of all your tribes. This is where he will dwell and establish his name. This is where you should go. There you shall bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, and the contribution of your hand, your vowed offerings, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock.
When you cross the Jordan and live in the land Jehovah your God gives you to inherit, and he gives you rest from all your enemies around you so that you live in security.
Be careful to do what I command you. Do not add to it nor take away from it.
If your brother, your mother's son, or your son or daughter, or the wife you cherish, or your very best friend tries to secretly entice you, saying: 'Let us go and serve other gods, gods neither you nor your fathers have known,
If you hear in one of the cities Jehovah has given you, anyone saying that some worthless men have gone out from among you and have mislead the inhabitants of their city, saying: Let us go and serve other gods you have not known. read more. Investigate and search out and inquire thoroughly. If it is true and the matter established that this abomination has been done among you,
At the end of every third year bring the tithe of all your crops and store it in your towns.
Appoint judges and officers for your tribes in every city Jehovah your God gives you. They are to judge the people fairly. Never pervert justice. Always be impartial. Never take a bribe, because bribes blind wise people and deny justice to those who are in the right.
Never pervert justice. Always be impartial. Never take a bribe, because bribes blind wise people and deny justice to those who are in the right.
Approach the Levitical priest or the judge who is in office in those days. Inquire of them and they will declare to you the verdict in the case.
Enter the land Jehovah your God gives you. Possess it and live in it. You will say: I will set a king over me like all the nations who are around me,
Enter the land Jehovah your God gives you. Possess it and live in it. You will say: I will set a king over me like all the nations who are around me,
He must not increase his herd of horses. He must not send the people to return to Egypt to get more horses. For Jehovah said to you: You should never again return that way.
When he first sits on the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll taken in the presence of the Levitical priests.
When he first sits on the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll taken in the presence of the Levitical priests. He should keep it with him. He should read from it all the days of his life. In this way he will learn to respect Jehovah his God by carefully observing all the words of this Law and these statutes.
He should keep it with him. He should read from it all the days of his life. In this way he will learn to respect Jehovah his God by carefully observing all the words of this Law and these statutes. He must not think he is better than the rest of his people. He will not disobey these commandments in any way. So he and his sons will rule for a long time in Israel.
The Levitical priests including the entire tribe of Levi will receive no land or property of their own like the rest of the Israelites. They will eat what has been sacrificed to Jehovah. These sacrifices will be what they receive.
When all this is done, set aside three cities in the land that Jehovah your God gives you. Provide a route to each of these cities and divide the land that Jehovah your God gives you into three regions. When a person kills someone he may run to one of these cities. read more. A person who unintentionally kills someone he never hated in the past may run to one of these cities to save his life. For example: when a man goes into the forest with his friend to cut wood, and his hand swings the axe to cut down the tree, and the iron head slips off the handle and strikes his friend so that he dies. He may flee to one of these cities and live. Otherwise the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in the heat of his anger. He may overtake him and because the way is long he may take his life. Even though he was not deserving of death, since he had not hated him previously. Hear my command: 'You must set aside three cities for yourself.'
The officers should speak to the army: If you have built a new house that has not been dedicated, you may go home. Otherwise, you might die in battle, and someone else will dedicate it.
His corpse must not hang all night on the tree (stake). Be sure to bury him the same day for he who is hanged is accursed of God. You do this so that you do not defile your land Jehovah your God gives you as an inheritance.
they will take the girl to the doorway of her father's house. The men of her city shall stone her to death because she has committed an act of folly in Israel by playing the harlot in her father's house. You must purge the evil from among you.
If the wicked man deserves to be beaten, the judge will then make him lie down and be beaten in his presence. The number of lashes is according to his guilt.
Do not muzzle the bull while he is threshing.
The elders of his city must summon him and speak to him. If he persists and says: I do not desire to take her,
Do not have differing weights, a large and a small, in your bag.
I have not eaten of it while mourning. I have not removed any of it while I was unclean, nor offered any of it to the dead. I have listened to the voice of Jehovah my God. I have done according to all that you have commanded me.
This is the way it will be on the day when you cross the Jordan to the land that Jehovah your God gives you. You will set up for yourself large stones and coat them with lime and write on them all the words of the Law. When you cross over to enter the land Jehovah your God gives you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as Jehovah, the God of your fathers, promised you.
and write on them all the words of the Law. When you cross over to enter the land Jehovah your God gives you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as Jehovah, the God of your fathers, promised you.
Your cattle will be killed while you watch. You will not get to eat any of the meat. Your donkeys and sheep will be stolen. No one will be around to force your enemies to give them back.
Jehovah will bring you and your king, whom you set over you, to a nation that neither you nor your fathers have known. There you will serve other gods made of wood and stone.
Jehovah will bring a nation against you from far away, from the end of the earth, as the eagle swoops down, a nation whose language you will not understand,
You might not faithfully obey every word of the teachings that are written in this book. You might not respect this glorious and awe inspiring name: JEHOVAH your God.
Jehovah will also bring you every kind of sickness and plague not written in this Book of the Law. They will continue until you are dead.
Jehovah will scatter you among all the people of the world. He will scatter you from one end of the earth to the other. There you will serve gods made of wood and stone that neither you nor your ancestors ever knew. You will find no peace among those nations. There will be no place to call your own. There Jehovah will give you an unsettled mind, failing eyesight, and despair. read more. Your life will always be in danger. Day and night you will be filled with terror. You will live in constant fear of death. Your hearts will pound with fear at everything you see. Every morning you will wish for evening. Every evening you will wish for morning. Jehovah will send you back to Egypt in ships, even though he said that you would never have to go there again. There you will try to sell yourselves to your enemies as slaves. But no one will want to buy you.
Be sure there is no one here today who hears these solemn demands and yet convinces himself that all will be well with him. He would go stubbornly on his own way. That would destroy all of you, good and evil alike. Jehovah will never be willing to forgive him, but rather the anger of Jehovah and / His jealousy will burn against that man. Every curse which is written in this book will rest on him. Jehovah will blot out his name from under heaven. read more. Jehovah will destroy you by piling on you all the curses that are written in this book of Law. You will be forgotten forever.
Some secret things are hidden. They belong to Jehovah our God. The things that have been revealed in these teachings belong to us and to our children forever. We must obey every word of this Law.
Jehovah your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, to LOVE JEHOVAH YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR BEING, that you may live.
if you obey Jehovah your God to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, if you turn to Jehovah your God with all your heart with all your being.
Be determined and with good courage. Do not be afraid of them. Your God, Jehovah, will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you. Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the presence of all the people of Israel: Be determined and with good courage. You are the one who will lead these people to occupy the land Jehovah promised to their ancestors. read more. Jehovah is the one who goes ahead of you. He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be downhearted. Moses wrote this Law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi who carried the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah, and to all the elders of Israel.
Moses wrote this Law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi who carried the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah, and to all the elders of Israel.
Moses wrote this Law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi who carried the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah, and to all the elders of Israel. Moses commanded them: At the end of every seven years, at the time of the year of remission of debts, at the Feast of Booths,
Moses commanded them: At the end of every seven years, at the time of the year of remission of debts, at the Feast of Booths,
Moses commanded them: At the end of every seven years, at the time of the year of remission of debts, at the Feast of Booths, when all Israel comes to appear before Jehovah your God at the place he will choose, you shall read this Law in front of all Israel in their hearing.
when all Israel comes to appear before Jehovah your God at the place he will choose, you shall read this Law in front of all Israel in their hearing.
when all Israel comes to appear before Jehovah your God at the place he will choose, you shall read this Law in front of all Israel in their hearing. Assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town. Assemble them that they may hear and learn and respect Jehovah your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this Law.
Assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town. Assemble them that they may hear and learn and respect Jehovah your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this Law. Their children, who have not known, will hear and learn to respect Jehovah your God, as long as you live on the land you will possess when you cross the Jordan River.
Jehovah gave this command to Joshua, son of Nun: Be strong and courageous, because you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you. Moses finished writing all the words of this Law in a book.
Take this Book of the Law, and put it next to the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah your God, where it will be a witness against you.
Take this Book of the Law, and put it next to the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah your God, where it will be a witness against you.
Jehovah's people were his property. Jacob was God's own possession. He found his people in a desert land, in a barren place where animals howl. He guarded them, took care of them, and protected them because they were the precious apple (pupil) of his eye.
They made God furious because they worshiped foreign gods and angered him (stirred up his zeal) because they worshiped worthless idols. They sacrificed to demons that are not God. They served gods they did not know. These were new gods who came from nearby, gods your ancestors never worshiped.
He will say: 'Where are their gods, the rock in which they sought refuge? Who ate the fat of their sacrifices? Who drank the wine of their drink offering? Let them rise up and help you. Let them be your hiding place!
Jehovah came from Mount Sinai. He rose like the sun over Edom and shone on his people from Mount Paran. Ten thousand angels were with him. A flaming fire was at his right hand.
Jehovah came from Mount Sinai. He rose like the sun over Edom and shone on his people from Mount Paran. Ten thousand angels were with him. A flaming fire was at his right hand.
He was king in Jeshurun (Israel) when the leaders and all the tribes of the people of Israel were gathered.
They will call peoples to the mountain. There they will offer righteous sacrifices. They will draw out the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.
There is none like the God of Jeshurun (Israel). He rides the heavens to give you help. He goes through the skies in his majesty.
and for all the great wonders and mighty power which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.
I give you every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and nearby Lebanon even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun (to the west), shall be your coast. read more. No man will be able to resist you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous for you will help this people inherit the land. This is the land I swore to give to their fathers. Be strong and very courageous, that you may be careful to do according to all the Law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
Be strong and very courageous, that you may be careful to do according to all the Law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law will not depart out of your mouth. You must meditate (intensely study) (think deeply) on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. Then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
This Book of the Law will not depart out of your mouth. You must meditate (intensely study) (think deeply) on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. Then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Remember the word Moses the servant of Jehovah commanded you: 'Jehovah your God has given you rest, and has given you this land.' Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But you shall pass before your brothers armed, all the mighty men of valor, and help them. read more. Your brothers will possess the land Jehovah gave them until Jehovah gives your brothers rest. Then you will return to the land you possess and enjoy it. This is the land Jehovah's servant Moses gave you on this side of Jordan toward the sunrise (to the east). They answered Joshua: All that you command us we will do. Wherever you send us we will go. Just as we listened to Moses in all things, we will listen to you in all things. May Jehovah your God be with you, as he was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your commandment, and does not listen to your words in all that you command him must be put to death. Be strong and of a good courage.
They commanded the people, saying: When you see the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, you should leave here and follow it.
Joshua spoke to the priests: Take up the Ark of the Covenant, and pass over before the people. So they took the Ark of the Covenant and went before the people.
You will command the priests that bear the Ark of the Covenant, saying: 'When you come to the shore of the Jordan River you will stand still in the Jordan.'
Jehovah said to Joshua: Make sharp knives, and circumcise the men of Israel.
The children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at evening in the plains of Jericho.
And Joshua ripped his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the Ark of Jehovah until evening. He threw dust on his head. The elders of Israel did the same.
And Joshua ripped his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the Ark of Jehovah until evening. He threw dust on his head. The elders of Israel did the same.
He hung the king of Ai on a tree until evening. As soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they take his carcass down from the tree and throw it at the entering gate of the city. They raised a large pile of rocks over it that is there to this day. Then Joshua built an altar to Jehovah the God of Israel on mount Ebal,
Then Joshua built an altar to Jehovah the God of Israel on mount Ebal, As Moses the servant of the Lord commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the Law of Moses, an altar of whole stones that have not been cut by any iron tool. They offered offerings to Jehovah, and sacrificed peace offerings.
As Moses the servant of the Lord commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the Law of Moses, an altar of whole stones that have not been cut by any iron tool. They offered offerings to Jehovah, and sacrificed peace offerings.
As Moses the servant of the Lord commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the Law of Moses, an altar of whole stones that have not been cut by any iron tool. They offered offerings to Jehovah, and sacrificed peace offerings.
As Moses the servant of the Lord commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the Law of Moses, an altar of whole stones that have not been cut by any iron tool. They offered offerings to Jehovah, and sacrificed peace offerings. He wrote upon the stones a copy of the Law of Moses. He did this in the presence of the children of Israel. read more. All Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on both sides of the Ark before the priests. The Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; Half of the people stood on Mount Gerizim. And half of them stood on Mount Ebal. As Moses the servant of Jehovah commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. Afterward he read all the words of the Law, the blessings and cursing, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law.
The children of Israel did not kill them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn to them by Jehovah God of Israel. The entire congregation murmured against the princes. But all the leaders said to the entire congregation: We have sworn to them by Jehovah the God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them. read more. This we will do to them. We will even let them live in case we become angry. This is because of the oath we swore to them. The leaders said to them: Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water to the entire congregation as the leaders had promised them.
At sunset Joshua commanded that they remove them. They took them down from the trees, and cast them into the cave where they had been hidden. They laid large stones in the mouth of the cave. Even today the stones are there.
These are the countries that the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for their inheritance.
But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these are the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
The whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh. They set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. The land was subdued before them.
When you flee to one of these cities you must go to the place of judgment at the entrance to the city, and explain to the leaders what happened. Then they will let you into the city and give you a place to live in, so that you can stay there.
You may stay in the city until you have received a public trial and until the death of the man who is then the High Priest. Then you may go back home to your own town, from which you had run away.
These were the cities of refuge chosen for all the people of Israel and for any foreigner living among them. Any who killed a person accidentally could find protection there from the one looking for revenge. They could not be killed unless they had first received a public trial.
The leaders of the Levite families went to Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and to the heads of the families of all the tribes of Israel.
The people of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh answered the heads of the families of the western tribes:
If we disobeyed Jehovah and built our own altar to burn sacrifices on or to use for grain offerings or fellowship offerings, let Jehovah himself punish us.
but instead, as a sign for our people and yours, and for the generations after us, that we do indeed worship Jehovah. We do this before his sacred Tabernacle with our offerings to be burned and with sacrifices and fellowship offerings. This was to keep your descendants from saying that ours have nothing to do with Jehovah.
We would certainly not rebel against Jehovah or stop following him now by building an altar to burn offerings on or for grain offerings or sacrifices. We would not build any other altar than the altar of Jehovah our God that stands in front of the Tabernacle of his presence. Phinehas the priest and the ten leading men of the community with him, the heads of families of the western tribes, heard what the people of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh had to say, and they were satisfied.
Later Jehovah gave Israel security from their enemies all around. By that time Joshua was very old.
Be careful to obey and do everything that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses. Do not neglect any of it.
Be careful to obey and do everything that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses. Do not neglect any of it.
Jehovah said: Judah will go up. I have delivered the land into his hand.
The children of the Kenite, Moses' father-in-law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah to the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the south of Arad to live with the people.
They gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses had promised and he expelled the three sons of Anak.
An angel of Jehovah came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: I led you out of Egypt and brought you to the land about which I swore to your fathers that I would never break my covenant with you.
An angel of Jehovah came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: I led you out of Egypt and brought you to the land about which I swore to your fathers that I would never break my covenant with you. You will make no covenant with people of this land. You will throw down their altars. You have not obeyed my voice. Why have you done this? read more. I also said: 'I will not drive them out from before you. They will be thorns in your sides. Their gods will snare (trap) you.'
After those generations were gathered to their fathers (died) another generation followed them. This new generation did not know Jehovah or the works he had done for Israel. The children of Israel did evil in the sight of Jehovah, and served Baalim: read more. They forsook Jehovah God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt. They followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them. They bowed to them and provoked Jehovah to anger.
The anger of Jehovah was hot against Israel. He said: Because this people have transgressed my covenant, which I commanded their fathers, and have not listened to my voice;
Jehovah, when you left the mountains of Seir, when you came out of Edom, the earth shook, and rain fell from the sky. Yes, water poured out of the clouds. The mountains shook before Jehovah of Sinai, before Jehovah, the God of Israel.
Then Jehovah sent a man, a prophet, to the Israelites. He said to them: Jehovah, the God of Israel says, 'It was I who brought you out of slavery in Egypt. I rescued you from the Egyptians and from the people who fought you in this land. I drove them out as you advanced. I gave you their land. read more. I said to you: 'I am Jehovah your God. You should not worship the gods of the Amorites, whose land you are now living in. But you have not listened to me.'
Gideon said to him: May I ask, sir, why has all this happened to us if Jehovah is with us? What happened to all the wonderful things that our fathers told us Jehovah used to do, how he brought them out of Egypt? Jehovah has abandoned us. He left us to the mercy of the Midianites.
The Israelites said to Gideon: Be our ruler, you and your descendants after you. You saved us from the Midianites. Gideon answered: I will not be your ruler, nor will my son. Jehovah will be your ruler!
Gideon made an idol from the gold and placed it in his hometown, Ophrah. The Israelites abandoned God and went there to worship the idol. It was a trap for Gideon and his family.
This was his answer: It is not true that Israel took away the land of Moab or the land of Ammon. It happened this way: 'when the Israelites left Egypt, they went through the desert to the Gulf of Aqaba and came to Kadesh. read more. They sent messengers to the king of Edom to ask permission to go through his land. But the king of Edom would not let them. They also asked the king of Moab, but he would not let them go through his land. So the people of Israel stayed at Kadesh. Then they went through the desert around the land of Edom and the land of Moab until they came to the east side of Moab, on the other side of the Arnon River. They camped there, but they did not cross the Arnon because it was the boundary of Moab. The people of Israel sent messengers to Sihon, the Amorite king of Heshbon. They asked him for permission to go through his country to their own land. But Sihon refused to let Israel do it. He brought his whole army together, camped at Jahaz, and attacked Israel. Jehovah, the God of Israel, gave the people of Israel victory over Sihon and his army. So the people of Israel took possession of all the territory of the Amorites who lived in that country. They occupied all the Amorite territory from the Arnon in the south to the Jabbok in the north and from the desert on the east to the Jordan on the west. Jehovah, the God of Israel, drove out the Amorites for his people, the people of Israel. Are you going to try to take it back? You can keep whatever your god Chemosh has given you. But we are going to keep everything Jehovah, our God, has taken for us. Do you think you are better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever challenge Israel or fight with them? Israel has occupied Heshbon and Aroer for three hundred years, and the towns around them, and all the cities on the banks of the Arnon River. Why did you not retake them during that time? I have not done you any wrong. You are doing wrong to me by making war on me. Jehovah is the judge. He will decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.'
His father and mother asked him: Why do you go to those heathen Philistines to get a wife? Can you not find someone in our own family or among all our people? Samson told his father: I like her! She is the one I want. Get her for me.
Samson became very thirsty. He called to Jehovah: You gave me this great victory. Will I now die of thirst and be captured by these heathen Philistines?
Micah had his own place of worship. He made some idols and an ephod, and appointed one of his sons as his priest.
There was a young Levite who had been living in the town of Bethlehem in Judah. The man left Bethlehem to find another place to live. While he was traveling, he came to Micah's house in the mountains of Ephraim. read more. Micah asked him: Where do you come from? He answered: I am a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah. I need a place to live. Micah said: Stay here with me. Be my adviser and priest. I will give you ten pieces of silver a year along with some clothes, and your food. The young Levite agreed to stay with Micah. He became like a son to him. He lived in Micah's home. Micah made him his priest. Micah said: Now I know that Jehovah will be good to me, since I have a Levite as a priest.
The five men who had gone to spy on the country around Laish said to their companions: Did you know that here in one of these houses there is a wooden idol covered with silver? There are also other idols and an ephod. Consider what you should do. They went into Micah's house, where the young Levite lived. They greeted the Levite. read more. The six hundred soldiers from the tribe of Dan, ready for battle, stood at the gate. The five spies went straight into the house. They took the wooden idol covered with silver, the other idols, and the ephod. The priest stayed at the gate with the six hundred armed men.
Micah's idol remained there as long as the Tent where God was worshiped was at Shiloh.
There was still no king in Israel. There was a Levite who lived in the remote area of Mount Ephraim. He took for himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. She was unfaithful to him and went to her father's house at Bethlehem in Judah. She was there four whole months.
The leaders of all the tribes of Israel were present at this gathering of God's people. There were four hundred thousand foot soldiers.
I took her body and cut it in pieces. Then I sent one piece to each of the twelve tribes of Israel for these people have committed an evil and immoral act.
Hand over those perverts in Gibeah, so that we can kill them and remove this evil from Israel. But the people of Benjamin would not listen to their brothers.
The Israelites went to the house of God at Bethel, and there they asked God: Which of us should attack the Benjaminites first? Jehovah answered: The tribe of Judah.
They mourned in the presence of Jehovah until evening. They asked him if they should go again in battle against their brothers the Benjaminites? Jehovah's answer was: Yes.
The people of Israel went up to Bethel and mourned. They sat there in Jehovah's presence and fasted until evening. They offered fellowship sacrifices and burned some sacrifices whole in the presence of Jehovah. The Ark of the Covenant was there at Bethel in those days. Phinehas, the son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron, was in charge of it. read more. The people asked Jehovah: Should we go to battle against our brothers the Benjaminites again, or should we cease? Jehovah answered: Fight. Tomorrow I will give you victory over them.
The sons of Eli were corrupt. They did not know Jehovah. The priests had a custom with the people. If any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came while the flesh was boiling, with a fork of three teeth in his hand. read more. He stuck it into the pan, kettle, caldron or pot. All that the flesh-hook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites that came there.
His mother made him a little robe. She brought it to him when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.
Eli was very old. He heard everything his sons did to Israel. He heard how they slept with the women who served at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.
The lamp of God went out in the Temple of Jehovah. Samuel was lying down where the Ark of God was.
I have taken an oath concerning Eli's family line. No offering or sacrifice will ever be able to make peace for the sins that Eli's family committed.
The army of Israel retreated to their camp. The leaders of Israel asked: Why has Jehovah used the Philistines to defeat us today? Let us get the Ark of Jehovah's Covenant from Shiloh so that he may be with us and save us from our enemies. They sent men to Shiloh to bring back the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah of Hosts who is enthroned over the angels. Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas came along with God's ark.
We are in trouble now! Who will deliver us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with plagues in the desert wilderness.
We are in trouble now! Who will deliver us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with plagues in the desert wilderness.
When the man mentioned the Ark of God Eli fell backward from his seat beside the gate. He was so old and fat that the fall broke his neck and he died. He was a leader in Israel for forty years.
She called the boy Ichabod (No Glory), saying: Israel's glory is gone, because the Ark of God had been captured and because her father-in-law and her husband died. Israel's glory is gone because the Ark of God has been captured: she said.
Early the next day the people of Ashdod saw that Dagon had fallen forward on the ground in front of Jehovah's Ark. So they took Dagon and put him back in his place. But the next morning they saw that Dagon had again fallen forward on the ground in front of Jehovah's Ark. Dagon's head and his two hands were cut off and were lying on the temple's threshold. The rest of Dagon's body was intact. read more. That is why the priests of Dagon and everyone else who enters Dagon's temple in Ashdod do not step on the temple's threshold, even to this day. Jehovah dealt harshly with the people of Ashdod. He destroyed them by striking the people in the vicinity of Ashdod with tumors. When the people of Ashdod realized what was happening, they said: The Ark of the God of Israel must not stay with us. Their God is dealing harshly with our god Dagon and with us.
The Levites removed the cart the Ark of Jehovah and the box that contained the gold objects. They put them on the large rock. The people of Bethshemesh presented burnt offerings and sacrifices to Jehovah that day.
Some of the men of Bethshemesh looked inside the Ark. Jehovah killed seventy of them. This made the people of Bethshemesh very sad.
Some of the men of Bethshemesh looked inside the Ark. Jehovah killed seventy of them. This made the people of Bethshemesh very sad.
Then he returned home to Ramah where he judged Israel. And in Ramah he built an altar to Jehovah.
The sons did not follow their father's example but turned to dishonest ways of making money. They took bribes and denied people justice.
They said: You are an old man. You set a good example for your sons. But they have not followed it. Now we want a king to be our leader like all the other nations. Choose one for us! Samuel was upset to hear the leaders say they wanted a king. So he prayed about it.
Ever since the day I rescued my people from Egypt, they have turned from me to worship idols. Now they are turning away from you.
As you go into the city, you can find him before he goes to the worship site to eat. The people will not eat until he comes. He blesses the sacrifice. Then those who are invited may eat. You should be able to find him now.
Go ahead of me to Gilgal. I will come to sacrifice burnt offerings and make fellowship offerings. Wait seven days until I come to tell you what to do.
Go ahead of me to Gilgal. I will come to sacrifice burnt offerings and make fellowship offerings. Wait seven days until I come to tell you what to do.
So all the people went to Gilgal. In Gilgal they made Saul king before Jehovah. Peace offerings were offered before Jehovah. Saul and all the men of Israel were glad with great joy.
When Jacob and his family went to Egypt the Egyptians oppressed them. Your ancestors cried to Jehovah for help. He sent Moses and Aaron, who brought them out of Egypt and settled them in this land.
Saul commanded: Bring me some animals so we can offer sacrifices to please Jehovah. Then we can ask for his help. Saul slaughtered one of the animals,
Saul commanded: Bring me some animals so we can offer sacrifices to please Jehovah. Then we can ask for his help. Saul slaughtered one of the animals, and just as he was placing it on the altar, Samuel arrived. So Saul went out to welcome him.
He sent a warning to the Kenites, a people whose ancestors had been kind to the Israelites when they came from Egypt: Go away and leave the Amalekites. That way I will not kill you along with them. So the Kenites left.
How can I go? Samuel asked. When Saul hears about it he will kill me Jehovah said: Take a heifer with you and say: 'I have come to sacrifice to Jehovah.' Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice. I will reveal to you what you should do. You will anoint the one I point out to you. read more. Samuel did what Jehovah told him. When he came to Bethlehem the elders of the city trembled at his coming. They greeted him and said: May peace be with you. Greetings, he replied, I have come to sacrifice to Jehovah. Perform the ceremonies to make yourselves holy, and come with me to the sacrifice. He performed the ceremonies for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
Please let my lord the king listen to the words of his servant. If Jehovah has stirred you up against me, let Him accept an offering. If it is men, cursed are they before Jehovah. They have driven me out today so that I would have no attachment with the inheritance of Jehovah, saying: 'Go serve other gods.'
David built an altar for Jehovah there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. So Jehovah heard the prayers for the country. The plague on Israel stopped.
Do what Jehovah your God orders you to do. Obey all his laws and commands, as written in the Law of Moses. That way wherever you go you may prosper in everything you do.
A Temple had not yet been built for Jehovah. The people were still offering sacrifices at many different altars.
One time he went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices because that was where the most used altar was. He offered hundreds of burnt offerings there in the past.
Solomon began work on the Temple. It was four hundred and eighty years after the people of Israel left Egypt, during the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the second month, the month of Ziv.
There was nothing inside the Ark of the Covenant except the two stone tablets that Moses had placed there at Mount Sinai, when Jehovah made a covenant with the people of Israel as they were coming from Egypt.
They will transfer their allegiance to King Rehoboam of Judah and will kill me. After asking for advice, the king made two golden calves. He said: You have been worshiping in Jerusalem long enough. Israel, here are your gods who brought you out of Egypt.
Jeroboam appointed a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, just like the festival in Judah. He went to the altar in Bethel to sacrifice to the calves he had made. He appointed priests from the illegal worship sites to serve in Bethel. He went to his altar in Bethel to burn an offering on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, the festival he invented for the Israelites.
But Naboth said to Ahab, God forbid that I give you the heritage of my fathers.
The widow of a member of a group of prophets said to Elisha: My husband has died! As you know, he was a man who respected God. A man to whom he owed money came to take away my two sons as slaves in payment for my husband's debt.
Then Jehoiada led Joash out and placed the crown on his head. He gave him a copy of the laws governing kingship. Then Jehoash was anointed and proclaimed king. The people clapped their hands and shouted: Long live the king!
Then the king of Assyria took men from Babylon and from Cuthah and Avva and Hamath and Sepharvaim, and put them in the towns of Samaria in place of the children of Israel. They acquired Samaria for their heritage, living in its towns.
So one of the priests they had taken away as a prisoner from Samaria came back. He lived in Bethel and taught them how to worship Jehovah.
He removed the high places. He broke the stone pillars to bits, and cut down the Asherah poles. The brass snake that Moses had made was crushed to powder at his command, because in those days the children of Israel had offerings burned before it, and he gave it the name Nehushtan.
For his heart was fixed on Jehovah. He did not turn from his ways. Hezekiah obeyed Jehovah's commandments that Jehovah gave to Moses.
The chief priest Hilkiah told the scribe Shaphan: I found the Book of the Law in Jehovah's House. Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who then read it.
The chief priest Hilkiah told the scribe Shaphan: I found the Book of the Law in Jehovah's House. Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who then read it. The scribe Shaphan reported to the king: We have taken the money donated in the temple and have given it to the workmen who are in charge of Jehovah's House. read more. Then the scribe Shaphan told the king: The priest Hilkiah has given me a book. Shaphan read it to the king. When the king heard what the book of the Law said, he tore his clothes in distress. The king gave an order to the priest Hilkiah, to Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, the scribe Shaphan, and the royal official Asaiah. He said: Go inquire of Jehovah on my behalf and for the people. This is concerning the words in this book that has been found. Jehovah's fierce anger is directed towards us because our ancestors did not obey the things in this book or do everything written in it.
Go inquire of Jehovah on my behalf and for the people. This is concerning the words in this book that has been found. Jehovah's fierce anger is directed towards us because our ancestors did not obey the things in this book or do everything written in it. So the priest Hilkiah, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to talk to the prophet Huldah. She was the wife of Shallum, son of Tikvah and grandson of Harhas. Shallum was in charge of the royal wardrobe. Huldah was living in the Second Part of Jerusalem.
Huldah added: Tell Judah's king who sent you to me to ask Jehovah a question. This is what Jehovah God of Israel says about the words you heard: You had a change of heart and humbled yourself in front of Jehovah when you heard my words against this place and those who live here. I said that those who live here would be destroyed and cursed. You also tore your clothes in distress and cried in front of me. So I will listen to you,' declares Jehovah.
Then the king sent for all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to join him. The king went up to the Temple of Jehovah. All the inhabitants of Judah young and old also went to Jehovah's Temple. Josiah read everything written in the Book of the Promise found in Jehovah's Temple so they could all hear it. read more. The king stood beside the pillar and made a promise to Jehovah that he would follow Jehovah and obey his commands, instructions, and laws with all his heart and mind. He confirmed the terms of the promise written in this book. All the people joined in the promise. Then the king ordered the high priest Hilkiah, the priests who served under Hilkiah, and the doorkeepers to remove from Jehovah's Temple all utensils that had been made for Baal, Asherah, and the entire army of heaven. Josiah burned the utensils outside Jerusalem. It was in an open field near the Kidron Brook. Then he carried their ashes to Bethel.
The descendants of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, Elkanah his son, Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son, read more. Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son and Shaul his son. The descendants of Elkanah: Amasai, Ahimoth, Elkanah his son, Zophai his son, Nahath his son, Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son and Samuel his son. The sons of Samuel: Joel the firstborn and Abijah the second son.
David, Eleazar's descendant Zadok, and Ithamar's descendant Ahimelech divided Aaron's descendants into groups for service.
They taught in Judah. They had the Book of Torah (the Law) (Jehovah's Teachings) with them when they taught the people in all the cities of Judah.
However when he became powerful, his pride destroyed him. He was unfaithful to Jehovah his God. He went into Jehovah's Temple to burn incense on the incense altar. Azariah the priest went in after him with eighty of Jehovah's courageous priests. read more. They opposed King Uzziah. They said to him: Uzziah, you have no right to burn incense as an offering to Jehovah. That right belongs to the priests, Aaron's descendants, who have been given the holy task of burning incense. Get out of the holy place because you have been unfaithful. Jehovah God will not honor you for this. Uzziah held an incense burner in his hand. He became angry. As his anger with the priests grew, a skin disease broke out on his forehead. This happened in front of the priests in Jehovah's Temple as Uzziah was at the incense altar. When the chief priest Azariah and all the priests turned toward him, a skin disease was on his forehead. They rushed him away. Uzziah was in a hurry to get out because Jehovah had inflicted him with the disease. King Uzziah had a skin disease until the day he died. Since he had a skin disease, he lived in a separate house and was barred from Jehovah's Temple. His son Jotham was in charge of the royal palace and governed the country.
At the time they brought out the money that had been deposited in Jehovah's Temple, the priest Hilkiah found the book of Jehovah's Law written by Moses.
Josiah celebrated the Passover to Jehovah in Jerusalem. The Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month. Josiah appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them to serve in Jehovah's Temple. read more. He told the Levites, who instructed all Israel and performed ceremonies to make themselves holy to Jehovah: Put the Holy Ark in the Temple that Solomon, son of David and king of Israel, built. It should not be carried on your shoulders any longer. Serve Jehovah your God and his people Israel.
When the people bring you their Passover lamb, you must slaughter it and prepare it to be sacrificed to Jehovah. Make sure the people celebrate according to the instructions Jehovah gave Moses. Do not do anything to become unclean and unacceptable.
They put the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their order, for the worship of God at Jerusalem. This is recorded in the book of Moses.
Ezra came from Babylon. He was a scribe (copyist) and an expert in the Law of Moses which Jehovah, the God of Israel, had given. The king was moved by Jehovah his God to give him whatever he requested.
And that if anyone did not come before three days were past, as ordered by the rulers and the responsible men, all his goods would be put under the curse. He himself would be cut off from the meeting of the people who had come back.
When the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their towns. All the people came together like one man into the wide place in front of the Water Gate. They requested Ezra the scribe that he would bring them the book of the Law of Moses that Jehovah gave to Israel.
He read it in the wide place in front of the Water Gate from early morning till the middle of the day. Everyone who could understand it, men and women alike were able to listen to it. All the people got to hear the Book of the Law.
Day by day, from the first day till the last, he read from the book of the Law of God. They kept the feast for seven days: and on the eighth day there was a holy meeting, as it is ordered in the law.
One of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib, the chief priest, was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite, so I sent him away from me.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water. It yields its fruit in season and its leaves do not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness and trust in Jehovah. Many are saying: Who will show us good? Lift up the light of your countenance (face) (presence) upon us, O Jehovah!
You made him rule what your hands created. You have put everything under his control: all the sheep and cattle, the wild animals, read more. the birds, the fish, whatever swims in the currents of the seas.
God remembers those who suffer. He does not forget their cry, and he punishes those who wrong them.
Those who quickly pursue other gods multiply their sorrows. I will not pour out their sacrificial offerings of blood or use my lips to speak their names. Jehovah is the portion of my inheritance and my cup. You determine my position in life. read more. Your boundary lines mark out pleasant places for me. Indeed, my inheritance is beautiful to me.
Keep me as if I were the pupil (apple) of your eye (center of attention). Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
([Psalm of David]) The earth and all it contains the world and those who dwell in it belong to Jehovah.
Hear my prayer, O Jehovah. Open your ear (listen) to my cry for help. Do not be deaf to my tears, for I am a foreign resident with you, a stranger like all my fathers.
([Psalm of David]) Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered. Let those who hate him run from him.
Sing to God, sing praises to his name: extol him who rides upon the heavens by his name, Jehovah, and rejoice before him.
O God, when you went before your people, when you march through the wilderness, The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: Sinai was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
The chariots of God are myriads in number, thousands upon thousands. Jehovah is among them. The God of Sinai is in his holy place.
([Psalm of Asaph]) Oh, give ear (listen), Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who are enthroned above the cherubim, shine forth!
No god is like you, O Jehovah. No one can do what you do.
O God, arrogant people attack me, and a mob of ruthless people seeks my life. They think nothing of you. But you, O Jehovah, are a compassionate and merciful God. You are patient, always faithful and ready to forgive.
But the loving kindness of Jehovah is from everlasting to everlasting on those who reverence him, and his righteousness is to the sons of sons. It is to those who keep his covenant, and to those who remember to do his commandments.
Jehovah has taken an oath and will not change his mind: You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, Aaron's beard, coming down upon the edge of his robes.
Honor Jehovah with your wealth and give him the best of all you have.
She (wisdom) is a tree of life to those who hold her. Happy are all who keep her.
Truly a fool hides hatred with lying lips, and speaks slander.
A false scale balance is an abomination to Jehovah. A perfect weight is his delight.
A talebearer reveals secrets. He that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.
Differing weights and differing measures, both of them are an abomination to Jehovah.
Many and different weights are an abomination to Jehovah and a false balance is not good.
You will go up in flames like straw and hay! You have rejected the law of the holy God Jehovah the All-Powerful Holy One of Israel. Now your roots will rot, and your blossoms will turn to dust.
The illiterate say: We cannot read it because we do not know how to read.
These people are rebellious and deceitful children. They refuse to listen to Jehovah's Law.
Jehovah spoke his word to me: Go and announce to Jerusalem, 'This is what Jehovah says: I remember the unfailing loyalty of your youth, the love you had for me as a bride. I remember how you followed me into the desert, into a land that was not sown (farmed). read more. Israel was dedicated (consecrated) to Jehovah. It was the best part of the harvest. All who consumed it became guilty, and disaster struck them,' says Jehovah. Listen to the word of Jehovah, offspring of Jacob, all the families in the house of Israel. Jehovah says: What bad thing (injustice) did your fathers find in me that they went so far away from me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless (lead astray) themselves. They did not ask: 'Where is Jehovah who brought us from Egypt? He led us through the desert, through a wasteland and its pits, a land of drought and the shadow of death. No one lives there or travels there.'
They did not ask: 'Where is Jehovah who brought us from Egypt? He led us through the desert, through a wasteland and its pits, a land of drought and the shadow of death. No one lives there or travels there.' I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and its produce. You came and made my land unclean. You made my heritage disgusting. read more. The priests did not ask: 'Where is Jehovah? Those who deal with my Law did not know me. The rulers rebelled against me. The prophets prophesied in the name of Baal and followed things that could not help (profit) them.'
The priests did not ask: 'Where is Jehovah? Those who deal with my Law did not know me. The rulers rebelled against me. The prophets prophesied in the name of Baal and followed things that could not help (profit) them.'
Where are the gods that you made for yourselves? Let them come and rescue you when you have trouble. You have as many gods as you have cities, Judah!
I am bringing a nation against you from afar, O house of Israel, declares Jehovah. It is an enduring nation. It is an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know. You cannot understand (comprehend) (make sense of) what they say.
How can you say you are wise and that you have Jehovah's Laws? The scribes have used their pens to spread falsehoods.
People in you hate their fathers and mothers. They oppress foreigners in you. They oppress orphans and widows in you.' You have despised my holy things and dishonored (profaned the Sabbath) the day to worship me. read more. Your people tell lies about others in order to have them put to death. They eat sacrifices offered to idols. They always satisfy their lusts. Some of them sleep with their father's wife. Some force women to have intercourse with them during their period. Some commit adultery, and others seduce their daughters-in-law or their half sisters. Some of your people murder for pay. Some charge interest on the loans they make to other Israelites and get rich by taking advantage of them. They have forgotten me. The Lord Jehovah has spoken.
Her priests have done violence to my law and have profaned my holy things. They have made no distinction between the holy and the profane. They have not taught the difference between the unclean and the clean. They hide their eyes from my Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.
I will give her vineyards from there and the valley of Achor for a door of hope. She will sing there as in the days of her youth and in the day when she came up out of Egypt.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you! You will not be a priest to me since you have forgotten the Law of your God. Therefore, I will forget your children.
Like Adam, they have broken the covenant. They were unfaithful to me there.
Sound the alarm on the trumpet. The enemy swoops down on Jehovah's Temple like an eagle. The people of Israel have rejected my covenant promise and rebelled against my Law.
I have written many rules for them in my Law, but they consider these things strange and foreign.
When Israel was a young man, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
Their ancestor Jacob held on to his brother's heel while the two of them were in their mother's womb. When Jacob became a man, he struggled with God. He struggled with the angel and won. Jacob cried and pleaded with him. Jacob found him at Bethel, and he talked with him there.
Jehovah continued: I will not withdraw punishment for the many transgressions of Judah. For they have rejected the Law of Jehovah! They have not kept his statutes. Their lies have led them astray, those after which their fathers walked.
I brought you out of the land of Egypt. I led you forty years in the desert wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite. I ordained some of your sons for prophets and some of your young men for Nazirites (dedicated ones). Is this true, O you children of Israel?: said Jehovah. read more. But you gave the Nazirites wine to drink, and commanded the prophets, saying: 'Do Not Prophesy!'
Hear this word Jehovah spoke against you, O children of Israel! It is against the whole family that I brought out of the land of Egypt:
The day that I punish Israel because of her sins I will also punish those at the altars of Bethel! The horns of the altar will be cut off, and fall to the ground.
Come to Bethel and transgress! Come to Gilgal and multiply transgression! Bring your sacrifices every morning and your tithes every three days. Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving of that which is leavened. Proclaim freewill-offerings and make them known. This pleases you, O you children of Israel, said the Lord Jehovah.
I brought you out of the land of Egypt. I redeemed you out of the house of bondage. I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab devised, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him. Remember from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of Jehovah.
Shepherd your people, the flock of your heritage, with your staff. They dwell alone in the forest in the midst of Carmel. Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.
You will give truth to Jacob, and show loving-kindness (unchanging love) to Abraham. For you have sworn this to our fathers from the days of old.
In reply Jesus answered: It is written; man shall not live on bread alone, but on all (everything) (every word) (every utterance) (every declaration) that proceeds from the mouth of Jehovah. (Deuteronomy 8:3)
Again it is written, Jesus replied, 'you must not put Jehovah your God to the test.' (Deuteronomy 6:16)
Go away, Satan! demanded Jesus. It is written, It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.' (Deuteronomy 6:13-15)
Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem came to Jesus. They questioned him: Why do your disciples go against the teaching of the fathers? They eat food with unwashed hands. read more. His answer to them was in the form of a question: Why do you go against the word of God in favor of your tradition? God said, 'Honor your father and mother.' 'He who says evil of father or mother will be put to death.' You teach that a man should tell his father or mother that what he has that could help them, is given to God. You say there is no need for him to give honor to his father. You have invalidated the word of God because of your tradition! You hypocrites (liars)! Isaiah's prophecy was right about you. These people honor me with their lips, but their heart (innermost thoughts) is far from me. But their worship is to no purpose, while they give as their teaching the rules (commands) of men.'
He answered: Have you not read, that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female? For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. The two shall become one flesh.
They asked him: Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, to send her away? He answered: Moses allowed you to send your wives away because of your hardness of heart. It was not allowed from the beginning.
Jesus answered: You are mistaken! You do not know the scriptures or the power of God.
The law and the prophets are based on these two commandments.
He wrote this commandment because of your hard hearts, Jesus replied.
The two shall become one flesh. They are no longer two, but one flesh.
It is a fact that the dead will be raised again. Have you not read the account of the burning bush in the book of Moses? Did you notice how God spoke to him, saying: I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
Abraham said: Your brothers have Moses and the prophets to warn them. They should listen to them.
Abraham said: If they would not listen to Moses and the prophets, they would not listen to someone from the dead.
They asked him: Teacher, Moses wrote if a man's brother dies and he is childless, his brother should take the wife, and raise up seed for his brother.
Even Moses showed that the dead are raised when he was near the bush and he called Jehovah the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Exodus 3:6-14)
He explained to them all the Scriptures about the things concerning him. He spoke about Moses and all the prophets.
He explained to them all the Scriptures about the things concerning him. He spoke about Moses and all the prophets.
He said: These are my words that I spoke to you, while I was yet with you. All things must be fulfilled. They are things that are written in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets, and the Psalms, concerning me. He opened their minds that they might understand the scriptures.
The law came through Moses. Loving-kindness and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Moses on whom you have set your hope is a plaintiff against you. It is a fact! If you believed Moses you would believe me. He wrote about me!
They gathered twelve baskets of leftovers after everyone had eaten.
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Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it and was glad.
Moses said to the fathers, 'Jehovah will raise up for your brothers a prophet like me. You must listen to all the things he speaks to you.' (Deuteronomy 18:18)
Philip said: If you believe with all your heart, you may. He answered: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Having obtained help from God, I continue to this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those that the prophets and Moses said should come.
Tell me, you that desire to be under the Law; do you not hear the Law?
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.
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. read more. 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 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. read more. 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.
Hastings
Morish
The Greek name given to the first five books of the O.T., which are also called 'the five books of Moses.' The many references to and quotations from them in other parts of the scripture, and allusions to them by Christ under the name of Moses, show plainly that Moses was the inspired writer of them, except of course the small portion that records his death and burial. See MOSES.
Watsons
PENTATEUCH. This word, which is derived from the Greek ???????????, from ?????, five, and ??????, a volume, signifies the collection of the five books of Moses, which are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. That the Jews have acknowledged the authenticity of the Pentateuch, from the present time back to the era of their return from the Babylonish captivity, a period of more than two thousand three hundred years, admits not a possibility of doubt. The five books of Moses have been during that period constantly placed at the head of the Jewish sacred volume, and divided into fixed portions, one of which was read and explained in their synagogues, not only every Sabbath with the other Scriptures, but in many places twice a week, and not unfrequently every evening, when they alone were read. They have been received as divinely inspired by every Jewish sect, even by the Sadducees, who questioned the divinity of the remaining works of the Old Testament. In truth, the veneration of the Jews for their Scriptures, and above all for the Pentateuch, seems to have risen almost to a superstitious reverence. Extracts from the Mosaic law were written on pieces of parchment, and placed on the borders of their garments, or round their wrists and foreheads: nay, they at a later period counted, with the minutest exactness, not only the chapters and paragraphs, but the words and letters, which each book of their Scriptures contains. Thus also the translation, first of the Pentateuch, and afterward of the remaining works of the Old Testament, into Greek, for the use of the Alexandrian Jews, disseminated this sacred volume over a great part of the civilized world, in the language most universally understood, and rendered it accessible to the learned and inquisitive in every country; so as to preclude all suspicion that it could be materially altered by either Jews or Christians, to support their respective opinions as to the person and character of the Messiah; the substance of the text being, by this translation, fixed and authenticated at least two hundred and seventy years before the appearance of our Lord.
But, long previous to the captivity, two particular examples, deserving peculiar attention, occur in the Jewish history, of the public and solemn homage paid to the sacredness of the Mosaic law as promulgated in the Pentateuch; and which, by consequence, afford the fullest testimony to the authenticity of the Pentateuch itself: the one in the reign of Hezekiah, while the separate kingdoms of Judah and Israel still subsisted; and the other in the reign of his great grandson Josiah, subsequent to the captivity of Israel. In the former we see the pious monarch of Judah assembling the priests and Levites and the rulers of the people; to deplore with him the trespasses of their fathers against the divine law, to acknowledge the justice of those chastisements which, according to the prophetic warnings of that law, had been inflicted upon them; to open the house of God which his father had impiously shut, and restore the true worship therein according to the Mosaic ritual, 2Ki 18; 2Ch 29; 30; with the minutest particulars of which he complied, in the sin-offerings and the peace- offerings which, in conjunction with his people, he offered for the kingdom and the sanctuary and the people, to make atonement to God for them and for all Israel; restoring the service of God as it had been performed in the purest times. "And Hezekiah," says the sacred narrative, "rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people; for the thing was done suddenly," 2Ch 29:36; immediately on the king's accession to the throne, on the first declaration of his pious resolution. How clear a proof does this exhibit of the previous existence and clearly acknowledged authority of those laws which the Pentateuch contains!
But a yet more remarkable part of this transaction still remains. At this time Hoshea was king of Israel, and so far disposed to countenance the worship of the true God, that he appears to have made no opposition to the pious zeal of Hezekiah; who, with the concurrence of the whole congregation which he had assembled, sent out letters and made a proclamation, not only to his own people of Judah, 2Ch 30:1, "but to Ephraim and Manasseh and all Israel, from Beersheba even unto Dan, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel; saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again to the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and he will return to the remnant of you who are escaped out of the hands of the kings of Assyria; and be not ye like your fathers and your brethren, which trespassed against the Lord God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation as ye see. Now be ye not stiff-necked, as your fathers were; but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary which he hath sanctified for ever, and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun," 2Ch 30:6, &c.
Now, can we conceive that such an attempt as this could have been made, if the Pentateuch containing the Mosaic code had not been as certainly recognised through the ten tribes of Israel as in the kingdom of Judah? The success was exactly such as we might reasonably expect if it were so acknowledged; for, though many of the ten tribes laughed to scorn and mocked the messengers of Hezekiah, who invited them to the solemnity of the passover, from the impious contempt which through long disuse they had conceived for it. "Nevertheless," says the sacred narrative, "divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem; and there assembled at Jerusalem much people, to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great congregation; and they killed the passover, and the priests and Levites stood in their places after their manner, according to the law of Moses, the man of God. So there was great joy in Jerusalem; for since the time of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel, there was not the like at Jerusalem: and when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all," 2Ch 30:11; 31. Can any clearer proof than this be desired of the constant and universal acknowledgment of the divine authority of the Pentateuch throughout the entire nation of the Jews, notwithstanding the idolatries and corruptions which so often prevented its receiving such obedience as that acknowledgment ought to have produced? The argument from this certain antiquity of the Pentateuch, a copy of which existed in the old Samaritan character as well as in the modern Hebrew, is most conclusive as to the numerous prophecies of Christ, and the future and present condition of the Jews which it contains. These are proved to have been delivered many ages before they were accomplished; they could be only the result of divine prescience, and the uttering of them by Moses proves therefore the inspiration and the authority of his writings. See LAW, and See MOSES.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
King Hezekiah and the people were happy. For God helped them to do all this so quickly.
Hezekiah sent a message to all Israel and Judah. He wrote letters to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. He invited them to come to Jehovah's Temple in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover of Jehovah the God of Israel.
Messengers carried letters from the king and his officials throughout Israel and Judah. The king's order said: Israelites should return to Jehovah the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. Then he will return to the few of you who escaped from the power of the kings of Assyria.
Nevertheless some men of Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.