Thematic Bible: Illustrated
Thematic Bible
Adoption » Illustrated » Joseph's sons
Jacob went on to say: Joseph, your two sons Ephraim and Manasseh were born in Egypt. But I accept them as my own, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.
But Israel crossed his hands and reached out. He put his right hand on Ephraim's head, although Ephraim was the younger son. He put his left hand on Manasseh's head, although Manasseh was older.
May the being who rescued me from all evil bless these boys! May they be called by my name and by the names of my grandfather Abraham and my father Isaac. May they have many children on the earth.
I am giving you one more mountain ridge than your brothers. I took it from the Amorites with my own sword and bow.
Adoption » Illustrated » moses
When he was old enough, she took him to the king's daughter, who adopted him. She named him Moses because she said: I pulled him out of the water.
Adoption » Illustrated » Esther
And he had been a father to Hadassah who is Esther, the daughter of his father's brother: for she had no father or mother. When her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his daughter. She was very beautiful.
The call of God » Illustrated
She sent her maidens. She cried on the highest places of the city, Who is simple? Let him turn in here! He who lacks understanding, she says to him,
Compassion and sympathy » Illustrated
He went to his father. He was a long way from home when his father saw him. His heart filled with pity. He ran and threw his arms around his son and kissed him.
Confession of sin » Illustrated
Father, the son said: 'I have sinned against God and against you. I am not fit to be called your son.'
But the tax collector stood far away and would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven. He beat his breast, saying: God, be merciful to me a sinner.
the Death of saints » Illustrated
The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man died and was buried.
Death of the The Wicked » Illustrated
But God said to him: 'You fool this night you will give up your life. Then who will have all these things you accumulated?'
The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man died and was buried. He was in great torment in the grave (hades). He looked up and saw Abraham, far away, with Lazarus at his side.
eternal Death » Illustrated
He was in great torment in the grave (hades). He looked up and saw Abraham, far away, with Lazarus at his side. He called out: Father Abraham! Take pity on me! Please send Lazarus to dip his finger in some water and cool off my tongue. I am in torment in this fire! Abraham said: Remember, my son, in your lifetime you were given good things, while Lazarus got all the bad things. Now he is enjoying himself while you are in torment. read more.
There is a deep pit lying between us, so that those who want to cross over from here to you cannot do so. And no one can cross over to us from where you are.
There is a deep pit lying between us, so that those who want to cross over from here to you cannot do so. And no one can cross over to us from where you are.
Spiritual death » Illustrated
He caused me to pass among them round about. There were very many on the surface of the valley and they were very dry. He said to me: Son of man, can these bones live? I answered, O Lord Jehovah, you know.
Diligence » Illustrated
Go to the ant, you lazy person. Consider her ways and be wise! The lowly ant has no guide or overseer. It prepares its food in the summer and gathers food at the harvest.
Emulation » Illustrated » In jacob's household
Rachel had not borne Jacob any children. As a result, she became jealous of her sister and said to Jacob: Give me children, or I will die. Jacob became angry with Rachel. He said: I cannot take the place of God. He is the one who keeps you from having children. She said: Here is my maid Bilhah. Sleep with her, so that she can have a child for me. This way I can become a mother through her. read more.
Then Rachel let Jacob marry Bilhah. Jacob slept with Bilhah. They had a son. Rachel named him Dan, because she said: God has answered my prayers. He has vindicated me and given me a son. Bilhah and Jacob had a second son. Rachel said: I have struggled hard with my sister, and I have won! So she named the boy Naphtali. When Leah realized she could not have any more children, she let Jacob marry her servant Zilpah. They had a son. Leah said: How fortunate. She called him Gad. Leah's slave Zilpah gave birth to her second son for Jacob. Leah said: I am happy, for women will call me blessed. So she named him Asher. During the wheat harvest Reuben went out into the fields. He found some mandrake plants. He brought them to his mother Leah. Rachel said to Leah: Please, give me some of your son's mandrake plants. Leah replied: Is it not enough that you took my husband? Are you also going to take my son's mandrake plants? Rachel responded: Very well, Jacob can go to bed with you tonight in return for your son's mandrake plants. Jacob came in from the fields that evening. Leah went out to meet him. You are to sleep with me, she said. You are my reward for my son's mandrake plants. So he went to bed with her that night. God answered Leah's prayer. She became pregnant and gave birth to her fifth son for Jacob. Leah said: God has given me my reward, because I gave my slave to my husband. So she named him Issachar. She became pregnant again and gave birth to her sixth son for Jacob. Leah said: God has presented me with a wonderful gift. This time my husband will honor me, because I have given him six sons. So she named him Zebulun. Later she bore a daughter and named her Dinah. Then God remembered Rachel. God listened to her and opened her womb. So she conceived and gave birth to a son. She said: God has taken away my reproach. She named him Joseph. She said: May Jehovah give me another son.
Then Rachel let Jacob marry Bilhah. Jacob slept with Bilhah. They had a son. Rachel named him Dan, because she said: God has answered my prayers. He has vindicated me and given me a son. Bilhah and Jacob had a second son. Rachel said: I have struggled hard with my sister, and I have won! So she named the boy Naphtali. When Leah realized she could not have any more children, she let Jacob marry her servant Zilpah. They had a son. Leah said: How fortunate. She called him Gad. Leah's slave Zilpah gave birth to her second son for Jacob. Leah said: I am happy, for women will call me blessed. So she named him Asher. During the wheat harvest Reuben went out into the fields. He found some mandrake plants. He brought them to his mother Leah. Rachel said to Leah: Please, give me some of your son's mandrake plants. Leah replied: Is it not enough that you took my husband? Are you also going to take my son's mandrake plants? Rachel responded: Very well, Jacob can go to bed with you tonight in return for your son's mandrake plants. Jacob came in from the fields that evening. Leah went out to meet him. You are to sleep with me, she said. You are my reward for my son's mandrake plants. So he went to bed with her that night. God answered Leah's prayer. She became pregnant and gave birth to her fifth son for Jacob. Leah said: God has given me my reward, because I gave my slave to my husband. So she named him Issachar. She became pregnant again and gave birth to her sixth son for Jacob. Leah said: God has presented me with a wonderful gift. This time my husband will honor me, because I have given him six sons. So she named him Zebulun. Later she bore a daughter and named her Dinah. Then God remembered Rachel. God listened to her and opened her womb. So she conceived and gave birth to a son. She said: God has taken away my reproach. She named him Joseph. She said: May Jehovah give me another son.
Emulation » Illustrated » In esau's marriages
Esau found out that his father Isaac had blessed Jacob and had warned him not to marry any of the Canaanite women. He also learned that Jacob had been sent to find a wife in northern Syria. Jacob did as his father and mother said. He went to Paddan-aram. It was clear to Esau that his father despised the local Canaanite women. read more.
So Esau went to Ishmael and took Mahalath, the daughter of Abraham's son Ishmael, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife in addition to the wives he had.
So Esau went to Ishmael and took Mahalath, the daughter of Abraham's son Ishmael, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife in addition to the wives he had.
Forgiveness of injuries » Illustrated
The kingdom of heaven is like a king who went over his accounts with his servants. First, one came to him who owed him ten thousand talents. He was not able to make payment. So his lord gave orders for him to be sold. His wife, sons, and daughters were all to be sold along with every possession. The money would be used for payment of what he owed. read more.
So the servant fell on his face out of respect. He said: 'Lord, give me time to make payment and I will pay everything.' Being moved with pity, the lord let him go, and made him free of the debt. Then that servant met another servant who was in debt to him for one hundred denarii. He took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay your debt now.' That servant fell down before him, saying, 'Give me time and I will make payment to you.' He would not give him time. He put him into prison till he paid the debt. When the other servants saw what happened, they were very sad. They told their lord what had been done. His lord sent for him, and said: 'Evil servant; I made you free of all that debt, because of your request to me. Should you [also] show mercy to your fellow servant the same way I showed mercy to you?' His lord was angry and sent him to jail to be punished until he paid back all of his debt. My heavenly Father will treat you like that if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.
So the servant fell on his face out of respect. He said: 'Lord, give me time to make payment and I will pay everything.' Being moved with pity, the lord let him go, and made him free of the debt. Then that servant met another servant who was in debt to him for one hundred denarii. He took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay your debt now.' That servant fell down before him, saying, 'Give me time and I will make payment to you.' He would not give him time. He put him into prison till he paid the debt. When the other servants saw what happened, they were very sad. They told their lord what had been done. His lord sent for him, and said: 'Evil servant; I made you free of all that debt, because of your request to me. Should you [also] show mercy to your fellow servant the same way I showed mercy to you?' His lord was angry and sent him to jail to be punished until he paid back all of his debt. My heavenly Father will treat you like that if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.
the Gifts of God » Illustrated
To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one. He assigned according to the servants' ability. Then he went on his journey. Right away the servant who received the five talents traded with them and made another five talents. In like manner, he who received the two gained another two. read more.
He who received the one dug a hole in the ground and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants came back to settle with them. The servant who received five talents brought another five talents. He said: 'Lord, here are your five talents, plus the five I gained.' His lord said: 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, so I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' The one who received two talents said: 'Lord you gave me two talents and I gained another two talents.' His lord said: 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' The servant who received one talent said: 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man. You reap where you did not sow and gather where you did not scatter. I was afraid, so I hid your talent in the earth. See, you have what is yours.' But his lord answered: 'You wicked and lazy servant. You knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter. You should have put my money in the bank. I should have received my money back plus interest. Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. More will be given to every one who has and he will have abundance. He who does not have will have every thing taken away. Throw the worthless servant into outer darkness. There will be crying and grinding of teeth.'
He who received the one dug a hole in the ground and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants came back to settle with them. The servant who received five talents brought another five talents. He said: 'Lord, here are your five talents, plus the five I gained.' His lord said: 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, so I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' The one who received two talents said: 'Lord you gave me two talents and I gained another two talents.' His lord said: 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' The servant who received one talent said: 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man. You reap where you did not sow and gather where you did not scatter. I was afraid, so I hid your talent in the earth. See, you have what is yours.' But his lord answered: 'You wicked and lazy servant. You knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter. You should have put my money in the bank. I should have received my money back plus interest. Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. More will be given to every one who has and he will have abundance. He who does not have will have every thing taken away. Throw the worthless servant into outer darkness. There will be crying and grinding of teeth.'
Happiness » Of the wicked » Illustrated
A rich man dressed in the most expensive clothes and lived in great luxury every day.
Abraham said: Remember, my son, in your lifetime you were given good things, while Lazarus got all the bad things. Now he is enjoying himself while you are in torment.
He spoke an illustration to them: The land of a rich man produced well. He reasoned to himself, what will I do? I have nowhere to store my fruits? He said: I would pull down my barns and build larger barns. I will store all my grain and goods there. read more.
I will say to my self: 'You have many possessions saved for many years. Take it easy and eat, drink and be merry.' But God said to him: 'You fool this night you will give up your life. Then who will have all these things you accumulated?'
I will say to my self: 'You have many possessions saved for many years. Take it easy and eat, drink and be merry.' But God said to him: 'You fool this night you will give up your life. Then who will have all these things you accumulated?'
I have seen a wicked, violent man spreading himself like a luxuriant tree in its native soil. Then he passed away, and lo, he was no more. I searched for him, but he could not be found.
Happiness of the The Wicked » Illustrated
I have seen a wicked, violent man spreading himself like a luxuriant tree in its native soil. Then he passed away, and lo, he was no more. I searched for him, but he could not be found.
Hatred to Christ » Illustrated
He said: Well done, you good servant. You were faithful in very little. Now you shall have authority over ten cities.
He said: A nobleman traveled to a country far away to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds, and said do business with this until I return. His citizens hated him. They sent a spokesman to him saying we do not want this man to rule us.
Hell » Illustrated
Topheth was prepared long ago. It was made ready for the king. It was made deep and wide and piled high with plenty of burning logs. Jehovah's breath will be like a flood of burning sulfur, setting it on fire.
Hypocrites » Illustrated
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs that appear beautiful on the outside. They are full of dead men's bones and uncleanness on the inside. You appear righteous to men. However, inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
Idleness and sloth » Illustrated
He who received the one dug a hole in the ground and hid his lord's money.
But his lord answered: 'You wicked and lazy servant. You knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter.
Industry » Illustrated
Go to the ant, you lazy person. Consider her ways and be wise! The lowly ant has no guide or overseer. It prepares its food in the summer and gathers food at the harvest.
Ingratitude to God » Illustrated
Let me sing to my loved one a song of my beloved concerning his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hill. He dug the soil all around and removed its stones. He planted it with the choicest vine. And he built a tower in the middle of it and also hewed out a wine vat in it. Then he expected it to produce good grapes, but it only produced worthless ones. Now then, you inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judah, judge between my vineyard and me! read more.
What more could have been done for my vineyard than what I have already done for it? When I waited for it to produce good grapes, why did it produce only sour, wild grapes? Here is what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge and break down the wall that protects it. I will let wild animals eat it and trample it down. It will turn into a desert, neither pruned nor cultivated. It will be covered with thorns and briars. I will command the clouds not to send rain. I am Jehovah of Hosts (All Powerful)! Israel is the vineyard, and Judah is the garden I tended with care. I had hoped for honesty and for justice, but dishonesty and cries for mercy were all I found.
What more could have been done for my vineyard than what I have already done for it? When I waited for it to produce good grapes, why did it produce only sour, wild grapes? Here is what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge and break down the wall that protects it. I will let wild animals eat it and trample it down. It will turn into a desert, neither pruned nor cultivated. It will be covered with thorns and briars. I will command the clouds not to send rain. I am Jehovah of Hosts (All Powerful)! Israel is the vineyard, and Judah is the garden I tended with care. I had hoped for honesty and for justice, but dishonesty and cries for mercy were all I found.
The word of Jehovah came to me: Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her detestable practices. Say this, 'The Lord Jehovah says this to Jerusalem: Your ancestry and birth were in the land of the Canaanites. Your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. read more.
On the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to make you clean, nor were you rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths. No one looked on you with pity or had compassion enough to do any of these things for you. Instead, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised. When I passed by you and saw you squirming in your blood, I said to you while you were in your blood, 'Live!' Yes, I said to you while you were in your blood, 'Live!' I made you numerous like plants of the field. You grew up, became tall and reached the age for fine ornaments. Your breasts were formed and your hair had grown. Yet you were naked and bare.' Then I passed by you and saw that you were at the time for love. So I spread my skirt over you and covered your nakedness. I also swore to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became mine, declares the Lord Jehovah. Then I bathed you with water, washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. I also clothed you with embroidered cloth and put sandals of porpoise skin on your feet. I wrapped you with fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck.' I also put a ring in your nostril, earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. You were adorned with gold and silver. Your dress was of fine linen, silk and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey and oil; so you were exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty. You became famous in every nation because of your beauty. Your beauty was perfect because I gave you my glory,' declares the Lord Jehovah. But you trusted your beauty. You used your fame to become a prostitute. You had sex with everyone who walked by.
On the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to make you clean, nor were you rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths. No one looked on you with pity or had compassion enough to do any of these things for you. Instead, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised. When I passed by you and saw you squirming in your blood, I said to you while you were in your blood, 'Live!' Yes, I said to you while you were in your blood, 'Live!' I made you numerous like plants of the field. You grew up, became tall and reached the age for fine ornaments. Your breasts were formed and your hair had grown. Yet you were naked and bare.' Then I passed by you and saw that you were at the time for love. So I spread my skirt over you and covered your nakedness. I also swore to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became mine, declares the Lord Jehovah. Then I bathed you with water, washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. I also clothed you with embroidered cloth and put sandals of porpoise skin on your feet. I wrapped you with fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck.' I also put a ring in your nostril, earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. You were adorned with gold and silver. Your dress was of fine linen, silk and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey and oil; so you were exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty. You became famous in every nation because of your beauty. Your beauty was perfect because I gave you my glory,' declares the Lord Jehovah. But you trusted your beauty. You used your fame to become a prostitute. You had sex with everyone who walked by.
the Joy of God over his people » Illustrated
Your sons will marry you like a young man marries a woman. Your God will rejoice over the same way a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.
Get the prize calf and kill it. Let us celebrate with a feast! My son was dead. Now he is alive. He was lost. Now he has been found. The feasting began.'
Justification before God » Illustrated
I tell you the tax collector and not the Pharisee was right with God when he went home. He who exalts himself will be humbled! He who humbles himself will be exalted!
Spiritual life » Illustrated
Then Jehovah said to me: Prophesy to the wind (ruach: air, breath, spirit, life)! Prophesy, son of man. Tell the wind, this is what the Lord Jehovah says: 'Come from the four winds, O Breath, and breathe on these people who were killed so that they will live.' So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath of life entered them. Then they came to life and stood on their feet. There were enough of them to form a very large army.
Longsuffering Of God » Illustrated
If the tree bears figs next year it will be good. If it does not you can have it cut down.
Jesus told them an illustration: There was a man who had a fig tree growing in his vineyard. He looked for figs on it but found none.
Love of Christ » Illustrated
(omitted, text not found in early manuscripts) What do you think? A man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone wandering away. Will he leave the ninety-nine and go in search of the wandering one? When he finds it, I tell you he will be filled with more joy than he would have if he had stayed with the ninety-nine.
Missionaries » Illustrated
He called ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds, and said do business with this until I return.
It is like a man going to another country. He called his servants and put them in charge of his property.
Murmuring » Illustrated
He spoke to his father in anger. All these years I have worked like a slave for you. I have never disobeyed you. What have you given me? Not even a goat for me to have a feast with my friends! This son of yours wasted all your property on prostitutes. When he comes home you kill the prize calf for him!
Pardon » Illustrated
They did not have money to pay the debt so he forgave them both. Which of them did he love the most?
He went to his father. He was a long way from home when his father saw him. His heart filled with pity. He ran and threw his arms around his son and kissed him. Father, the son said: 'I have sinned against God and against you. I am not fit to be called your son.' The father called his servants. He said: 'Hurry and bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. read more.
Get the prize calf and kill it. Let us celebrate with a feast! My son was dead. Now he is alive. He was lost. Now he has been found. The feasting began.'
Get the prize calf and kill it. Let us celebrate with a feast! My son was dead. Now he is alive. He was lost. Now he has been found. The feasting began.'
Patience » Illustrated
Be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receive the early and late rains.
Persecution » Illustrated
Listen to another illustration. A master of a house made a vineyard, and put a wall around it. He made a wine press and built a tower. Then he rented it to workers and traveled to another country. When the time for the fruit came near, he sent his servants to the workmen, to get the fruit. The workmen attacked his servants, striking one with a stone and killing the other. read more.
He sent other servants more in number than the first. They did the same to them. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'Certainly they will respect my son.' When the workmen saw the son, they said, 'Let us put him to death and take his heritage, for someday he will own this property.' They took him out of the vineyard and killed him.
He sent other servants more in number than the first. They did the same to them. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'Certainly they will respect my son.' When the workmen saw the son, they said, 'Let us put him to death and take his heritage, for someday he will own this property.' They took him out of the vineyard and killed him.
Perseverance » Want of » Illustrated
Other seed fell on the rocky ground and did not have good soil. Immediately it sprang up, because it had no good soil
they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while. They stumble when tribulation or persecution arise.
Preciousness of Christ » Illustrated
(The Shulamite) Just like the apple tree among the trees of the wood so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. A man found the treasure and hid it again in the field. He is so filled with joy he sells everything he owns and buys the field. The kingdom of heaven is also like a merchant seeking valuable pearls. When he found one pearl of great value, he sold all that he had, and bought it.
(The Shulamite) My beloved is white and ruddy, the chief among ten thousand. His head is as the finest gold. His locks are like date clusters, bushy and black as a raven. His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. read more.
His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers. His lips are like lilies, dripping sweet smelling myrrh. His hands are as gold rings set with beryl. His belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. His legs are like pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold. His countenance is like Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. His mouth is very sweet: yes, he is altogether handsome. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers. His lips are like lilies, dripping sweet smelling myrrh. His hands are as gold rings set with beryl. His belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. His legs are like pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold. His countenance is like Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. His mouth is very sweet: yes, he is altogether handsome. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
Protection » Illustrated
Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, spreads its wings to catch them, and carries them on its wings,
They who trust in Jehovah are like Mount Zion. It is not shaken, but remains forever. As the mountains are all around Jerusalem, so Jehovah is all around his people from this time and forever.
Repentance » Illustrated
But the tax collector stood far away and would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven. He beat his breast, saying: God, be merciful to me a sinner.
I will go to my father and say: 'Father I have sinned against God and against you. I am not fit to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired workers.' He went to his father. He was a long way from home when his father saw him. His heart filled with pity. He ran and threw his arms around his son and kissed him. read more.
Father, the son said: 'I have sinned against God and against you. I am not fit to be called your son.'
Father, the son said: 'I have sinned against God and against you. I am not fit to be called your son.'
Repentance » Illustrated » Paul
They heard it said: He that once persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.
Repentance » Illustrated » The repentant son
The first son said in answer, 'I will not.' Later he changed his mind and went to work.
Repentance » Illustrated » The prodigal son
Finally it dawned on him, my father's hired workers have more than they can eat and I am about to starve! I will go to my father and say: 'Father I have sinned against God and against you. I am not fit to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired workers.'
The Resurrection » Illustrated
The hand of Jehovah was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of Jehovah and set me down in the middle of the valley. The valley was full of bones. He caused me to pass among them round about. There were very many on the surface of the valley and they were very dry. He said to me: Son of man, can these bones live? I answered, O Lord Jehovah, you know. read more.
Again he said: Prophesy over these bones and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of Jehovah. The Lord Jehovah says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you that you may come to life. I will put sinews on you, make flesh grow back on you, cover you with skin and put breath in you that you may come alive. You will know that I am Jehovah.' So I prophesied as I was commanded. As I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling. The bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, sinews were on them, and flesh grew and skin covered them. But there was no breath in them. Then Jehovah said to me: Prophesy to the wind (ruach: air, breath, spirit, life)! Prophesy, son of man. Tell the wind, this is what the Lord Jehovah says: 'Come from the four winds, O Breath, and breathe on these people who were killed so that they will live.' So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath of life entered them. Then they came to life and stood on their feet. There were enough of them to form a very large army.
Again he said: Prophesy over these bones and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of Jehovah. The Lord Jehovah says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you that you may come to life. I will put sinews on you, make flesh grow back on you, cover you with skin and put breath in you that you may come alive. You will know that I am Jehovah.' So I prophesied as I was commanded. As I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling. The bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, sinews were on them, and flesh grew and skin covered them. But there was no breath in them. Then Jehovah said to me: Prophesy to the wind (ruach: air, breath, spirit, life)! Prophesy, son of man. Tell the wind, this is what the Lord Jehovah says: 'Come from the four winds, O Breath, and breathe on these people who were killed so that they will live.' So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath of life entered them. Then they came to life and stood on their feet. There were enough of them to form a very large army.
You fool, that which you sow is not alive unless it first dies. That which you sow, you sow not that body that will develop, but bare grain, it may be of wheat, or of some other grain:
God, Righteousness Of » Illustrated
Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like great deep water. O Jehovah, you preserve man and beast.
The second coming of Christ » Illustrated
He received the kingdom and went back to check on his servants. He wanted to know what they had gained by trading with the money he gave them.
Be like men looking for their master to return. He will knock when he returns from the marriage feast, and it will immediately be opened to him.
He said: A nobleman traveled to a country far away to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
Self-righteousness » Illustrated
Two men went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed like this: God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice per week. I give tithes of all that I get.
Self-will » Illustrated
I hear the people of Israel say in grief, 'Jehovah, we were like an untamed animal, but you taught us to obey. Bring us back for we are ready to return to you, Jehovah our God.
Do not be stubborn like a horse or mule. They need a bit and bridle in their mouth to restrain them, or they will not come near you.
Self-will and stubbornness » Illustrated
I hear the people of Israel say in grief, 'Jehovah, we were like an untamed animal, but you taught us to obey. Bring us back for we are ready to return to you, Jehovah our God.
Do not be stubborn like a horse or mule. They need a bit and bridle in their mouth to restrain them, or they will not come near you.
Simplicity » Illustrated
The eyes are like a lamp for the body. If your eye is clear (simple) (focused) (single minded), your whole body will be full of [spiritual] light.
Slander » Illustrated
A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword. The tongue of the wise brings a cure.
The Devil » Christ triumphing over » Illustrated
When the fully armed strong man guards his own palace, his goods are safe. When some one stronger comes to him and overpowers him he takes away his armor and steels his possessions.
Union with Christ » Illustrated » Body and members
Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many and are one body, so also is Christ.
Union with Christ » Illustrated » Foundation and building
According to the grace of God that is given to me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let every man take heed how he builds. No other foundation can be laid than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Union with Christ » Illustrated » Vine and branches
I am the vine and you are the branches. He that remains with me, and I with him, the same bears much fruit. You can do nothing apart from me.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the cultivator.
Union with Christ » Illustrated » Husband and wife
Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the congregation and gave himself up for it. This is so he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word. So he will be able to present the congregation to himself as a glorious congregation, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing. It should be holy and without blemish. read more.
In this way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his own wife loves himself. No man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ also does the congregation. And we are members of his body! For this reason a man will leave his father and mother, and will stick (adhere) (cleave) (be joined) to his wife. The two will become one flesh. This secret is great! I speak with regard to Christ and of the congregation.
In this way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his own wife loves himself. No man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ also does the congregation. And we are members of his body! For this reason a man will leave his father and mother, and will stick (adhere) (cleave) (be joined) to his wife. The two will become one flesh. This secret is great! I speak with regard to Christ and of the congregation.
Waiting » Illustrated
Be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receive the early and late rains.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to Jehovah our God, until he is gracious to us.
Be like men looking for their master to return. He will knock when he returns from the marriage feast, and it will immediately be opened to him.
Waiting upon God » Illustrated
Be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receive the early and late rains.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to Jehovah our God, until he is gracious to us.
Be like men looking for their master to return. He will knock when he returns from the marriage feast, and it will immediately be opened to him.
Warfare of saints » Illustrated
They will be as mighty men treading down their enemies in the mire of the streets. They will fight in the battle! Because Jehovah is with them! The riders on horses will be confounded (confused) (bewildered).
Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
Watchfulness » Illustrated
Gird your loins (strengthen yourselves) and light your lamps. Be like men looking for their master to return. He will knock when he returns from the marriage feast, and it will immediately be opened to him.
Works, good » Illustrated
I am the vine and you are the branches. He that remains with me, and I with him, the same bears much fruit. You can do nothing apart from me.