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Notes that are not verse specific
5:6 Do we think 'anger' is becoming for the servant of God? If we doubt this then think on these examples of anger. Exodus 32:19 Numbers 11:1 1 Samuel 20:34 Mark 3:5. Clearly anger is appropriate in certain circumstances. Maybe we do not get angry often enough when we see the things of God being undermined.
6:9 Whilst it appears that Nehemiah was in control of events in that he did not fall into the trap Sanballat had laid for him we should appreciate that he was still afraid of his actions. The fact that we are doing the right thing does not remove anxieties about how things will work out.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
BUT I PRAYED, 'NOW STRENGTHEN MY HANDS'
As the wall neared completion the enemies of the Jews got more and more desperate to stop the work. We read that "They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, 'Their hand will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.'" But Nehemiah prayed a short and specific prayer for the time, "Now strengthen my hands." God answered his prayer and strengthened both his hands and the hands of those that were working on the wall. It was completed in record time. From start to finish they took only 52 days. Nehemiah gives all the credit for this to God.
There have been times in my life when I have been doing the Lord's work, when the task and the opposition have seemed too great to carry on. In the end God has always seen me through it - but I wish I had thought of praying this prayer, "Now strengthen my hands." Maybe next time I will remember. But there are times like this in the life of every believer - if not yet - it will come. Remember this prayer at that time, "Now strengthen my hands," and then get on with the work God has given us to complete.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
TEST THE SPIRITS.
The opposition to the rebuilding of the wall was so great that the enemies of the Jews, as they got more and more desperate, tried every trick in the book to stop Nehemiah and the rest of the Jews from building. Nehemiah was tested in almost every way possible as they tried to get him off the job into a place where they could kill him. They invited him to deserted places to 'talk', and sent letters to him accusing him of traitorous motivation, and they even stooped to making someone Nehemiah should have trusted give him bad advice.
So how did Nehemiah manage to avoid all these temptations and resist being led from the job? I believe there were two things that helped.
Firstly, the fact that Nehemiah had an aim, was totally determined to do the job that God had set him and would not be distracted until the work was completed helped him to avoid the temptation.
And secondly, Nehemiah was equally determined not to sin. So when instructions or suggestions came telling him to do something that was wrong, he knew straight away that it was not from God.
So let us also be so dedicated, involved and determined not to sin that nothing will distract us from doing the work of God.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Robert
Nehemiah attitude in with the Governor bread reminds me of the same principle with Daniel in chapt 1 ,we see as Nehemiah chose not to partake because the bondage was heavy on the people. Like wise Daniel chose the children who had no blemish and had them eat of his wine and meat and he ate beans and drank water for ten days and it showed the beautiful out come as quoted before in
Keyon Thomas [Mt Grace Tobago] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Keyon
REMEMBER ME FOR GOOD - v.19
There is one thing God can't remember ... it's the good deeds that we never did!
We may not face any of these trials which the Jews, but we all have our on trials in different ways. Through all the thick & thin, through all our ups & downs, through all our triumphs & failures, we need to keep staying true unto God and not allow the flesh to overcome us through it all. Though we may fail, we will never fall in the Lord. Though we live in this world, we should never set our desires only upon it. We must always keep our eyes on Jesus and our hearts on reaching that city whose builder and maker is God. May it be that God will remember us for the good we've done - and in the grand finale - be bidden a place in His kingdom.
There is one thing God can't remember ... it's the good deeds that we never did!
We may not face any of these trials which the Jews, but we all have our on trials in different ways. Through all the thick & thin, through all our ups & downs, through all our triumphs & failures, we need to keep staying true unto God and not allowing the flesh to overcome us through it all. Though we may fail, we should never fall in the Lord. Though we live in this world, we should never set our desires only upon it. We must always keep our eyes on Jesus and our hearts on reaching that city whose builder and maker is God. May it be that God will remember us for the good we've done - and in the grand finale - be bidden a place in His kingdom
Remember me for good oh Lord
There is one thing God can't remember ... it's the good deeds that we never did!
We may not face any of these trials which the Jews, but we all have our on trials in different ways. Through all the thick & thin, through all our ups & downs, through all our triumphs & failures, we need to keep staying true unto God and not allowing the flesh to overcome us through it all. Though we may fail, we should never fall in the Lord. Though we live in this world, we should never set our desires only upon it. We must always keep our eyes on Jesus and our hearts on reaching that city whose builder and maker is God. May it be that God will remember us for the good we've done - and in the grand finale - be bidden a place in His kingdom.
Peter Dulis [toronto west] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
6:12 It would appear that the covering of the head was a sign of rejection – see Est 7:8.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Peter
A HIGHLIGHT OF A GREAT CAREER
This may have been the highlight of Nehemiah's career as the governor of Judah. The wall was certainly a great achievement, but what Nehemiah sacrificed for the good of his people may have been even greater.
When it came to his attention that many of the people were on the brink of starvation and slavery, Nehemiah took action. Not only did he address the problems of inequality among his people, but he refused to take the taxes he was entitled to as the governor. Not only that, but out of his own pocket he helped feed those in his community who were not so well off.
Our big achievements are all well and good, but it is our care for the poor and love for each other that God is really interested in. Nehemiah achieved both the big achievements and care for his people. Let's not get so carried away with big plans that we forget to love one another.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Robert
5:1 Now there arose a great outcry of the people
Why is this internal ecclesial issue inserted into the record?
Answer: Some suggestions:
• Care for the poor and needy in the ecclesia is a big issue – alongside all the other big issues of life – God could fix poverty overnight, but chooses not to. God expects us to respond to the needs of others.
• Nehemiah was glued to the building of the wall BUT he immersed himself in fixing wrongs within the ecclesia – People welfare is equally important (Nehemiah 5:15,16)
• What is “success” – Answer when the most vulnerable are looked after in our midst “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for another” (John 13:35)
Could we, with confidence, ask God to remember us for good on the basis of our caring attitude to our brothers and sisters (Nehemiah 5:19)?
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
5:7 You are exacting interest, each from his brother
The rich Jews were charging interest of their poor brethren. This was contrary to the Law but probably okay by Medo-Persian law. Our motivation in all dealings with others is not legality, but morality. Is what I am doing honouring to God? Notice that Nehemiah's attitude to helping others was based on the fear of God "Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God..? The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people ... But I did not do so, because of the fear of God ... Remember me for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people" (Nehemiah 5:9,15,19).
The fear of God should be our rule in everything. Would God remember me for good by my actions with others? How will I respond to Jesus if he were to ask me, “How did you spend your time, money and energy glorifying God?"
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
6:2 Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.
There were three tricks being played on Nehemiah by his enemies:
• Trick Number 1: Conference ambush
Sanballat and others wanted to lure Nehemiah away from Jerusalem to a conference 40 km away to harm him (6:2 “Come and let us meet together”)
The invitation was repeated 4 times (6:4). Nehemiah saw through their deception and refused to attend, claiming that he was busy (6:3 “I am doing a great work”)
• Trick Number 2: Treason accusation.
Sanballat sends an open letter (everyone can read it – like a postcard) to Nehemiah accusing him of treason against the king (6:6, 7 rebel – become king).
This was to lure Nehemiah into discussions with Sanballat (6:7 “come and let us take counsel together”). Nehemiah saw through their deception and refused to attend (6:8 “You are inventing them” – then prays 6:9)
• Trick Number 3: Impugn character.
Enemies tried to lure Nehemiah into the Temple at Jerusalem (6:10) by sending false prophets and so desecrate it in front of everyone – The enemy within Israel (Shemaiah) was in the pay of the enemy without (Sanballat et al.) and would sabotage God’s work rather than forego money. Nehemiah saw through this ruse as well (6:12-14) then prays (6:14)
Notice that Nehemiah refuses to be sidetracked by weasel words, and stays focussed on the task given to him by God. He gives a short, sharp retort to his enemies and moves on.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
6:12 ... because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him
Money and family relationships often warp our thinking. I once heard of a wise brother's advice regarding relationships: “If a man does not favour his children in an ecclesial dispute, that man can be trusted in everything!”
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
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1. And there was a great <1419> cry <6818> of the people <5971> and of their wives <802> against their brethren <251> the Jews <3064>.
2. For there were <3426> that said <559>(8802), We, our sons <1121>, and our daughters <1323>, are many <7227>: therefore we take up <3947>(8799) corn <1715> for them, that we may eat <398>(8799), and live <2421>(8799).
3. Some also there were <3426> that said <559>(8802), We have mortgaged <6148>(8802) our lands <7704>, vineyards <3754>, and houses <1004>, that we might buy <3947>(8799) corn <1715>, because of the dearth <7458>.
4. There were <3426> also that said <559>(8802), We have borrowed <3867>(8804) money <3701> for the king's <4428> tribute <4060>, and that upon our lands <7704> and vineyards <3754>.
5. Yet now our flesh <1320> is as the flesh <1320> of our brethren <251>, our children <1121> as their children <1121>: and, lo, we bring into bondage <3533>(8802) our sons <1121> and our daughters <1323> to be servants <5650>, and some of our daughters <1323> are <3426> brought unto bondage <3533>(8737) already: neither is it in our power <410> <3027> to redeem them; for other men <312> have our lands <7704> and vineyards <3754>.
6. And I was very <3966> angry <2734>(8799) when I heard <8085>(8804) their cry <2201> and these words <1697>.
7. Then I consulted <4427>(8735) with myself <3820>, and I rebuked <7378>(8799) the nobles <2715>, and the rulers <5461>, and said <559>(8799) unto them, Ye exact <5378>(8801)(8678) <5383>(8802)(8675) <5375>(8802) usury <4855>, every one <376> of his brother <251>. And I set <5414>(8799) a great <1419> assembly <6952> against them.
8. And I said <559>(8799) unto them, We after our ability <1767> have redeemed <7069>(8804) our brethren <251> the Jews <3064>, which were sold <4376>(8737) unto the heathen <1471>; and will ye even sell <4376>(8799) your brethren <251>? or shall they be sold <4376>(8738) unto us? Then held they their peace <2790>(8686), and found <4672>(8804) nothing <1697> to answer.
9. Also I said <559>(8799), It is not good <2896> that <1697> ye do <6213>(8802): ought ye not to walk <3212>(8799) in the fear <3374> of our God <430> because of the reproach <2781> of the heathen <1471> our enemies <341>(8802)?
10. I likewise, and my brethren <251>, and my servants <5288>, might exact <5383>(8802) of them money <3701> and corn <1715>: I pray you, let us leave off <5800>(8799) this usury <4855>.
11. Restore <7725>(8685), I pray you, to them, even this day <3117>, their lands <7704>, their vineyards <3754>, their oliveyards <2132>, and their houses <1004>, also the hundredth <3967> part of the money <3701>, and of the corn <1715>, the wine <8492>, and the oil <3323>, that ye exact <5383>(8802) of them.
12. Then said <559>(8799) they, We will restore <7725>(8686) them, and will require <1245>(8762) nothing of them; so will we do <6213>(8799) as thou sayest <559>(8802). Then I called <7121>(8799) the priests <3548>, and took an oath <7650>(8686) of them, that they should do <6213>(8800) according to this promise <1697>.
13. Also I shook <5287>(8804) my lap <2684>, and said <559>(8799), So God <430> shake out <5287>(8762) every man <376> from his house <1004>, and from his labour <3018>, that performeth <6965>(8686) not this promise <1697>, even thus be he shaken out <5287>(8803), and emptied <7386>. And all the congregation <6951> said <559>(8799), Amen <543>, and praised <1984>(8762) the LORD <3068>. And the people <5971> did <6213>(8799) according to this promise <1697>.
14. Moreover from the time <3117> that I was appointed <6680>(8765) to be their governor <6346> in the land <776> of Judah <3063>, from the twentieth <6242> year <8141> even unto the two <8147> and thirtieth <7970> year <8141> of Artaxerxes <783> the king <4428>, that is, twelve <8147> <6240> years <8141>, I and my brethren <251> have not eaten <398>(8804) the bread <3899> of the governor <6346>.
15. But the former <7223> governors <6346> that had been before <6440> me were chargeable <3513>(8689) unto the people <5971>, and had taken <3947>(8799) of them bread <3899> and wine <3196>, beside <310> forty <705> shekels <8255> of silver <3701>; yea, even <1571> their servants <5288> bare rule <7980>(8804) over the people <5971>: but so did <6213>(8804) not I, because <6440> of the fear <3374> of God <430>.
16. Yea, also I continued <2388>(8689) in the work <4399> of this wall <2346>, neither bought <7069>(8804) we any land <7704>: and all my servants <5288> were gathered <6908>(8803) thither unto the work <4399>.
17. Moreover there were at my table <7979> an hundred <3967> and fifty <2572> <376> of the Jews <3064> and rulers <5461>, beside those that came <935>(8802) unto us from among the heathen <1471> that are about us <5439>.
18. Now that which was prepared <6213>(8737) for me daily <3117> was one <259> ox <7794> and six <8337> choice <1305>(8803) sheep <6629>; also fowls <6833> were prepared <6213>(8738) for me, and once in ten <6235> days <3117> store <7235>(8687) of all sorts of wine <3196>: yet for all <5973> this required <1245>(8765) not I the bread <3899> of the governor <6346>, because the bondage <5656> was heavy <3513>(8804) upon this people <5971>.
19. Think <2142>(8798) upon me, my God <430>, for good <2896>, according to all that I have done <6213>(8804) for this people <5971>.
1. Now it came to pass, when Sanballat <5571>, and Tobiah <2900>, and Geshem <1654> the Arabian <6163>, and the rest <3499> of our enemies <341>(8802), heard <8085>(8738) that I had builded <1129>(8804) the wall <2346>, and that there was no breach <6556> left <3498>(8738) therein; (though <1571> <5704> at that time <6256> I had not set up <5975>(8689) the doors <1817> upon the gates <8179>;)
2. That Sanballat <5571> and Geshem <1654> sent <7971>(8799) unto me, saying <559>(8800), Come <3212>(8798), let us meet <3259>(8735) together <3162> in some one of the villages <3715> in the plain <1237> of Ono <207>. But they thought <2803>(8802) to do <6213>(8800) me mischief <7451>.
3. And I sent <7971>(8799) messengers <4397> unto them, saying <559>(8800), I am doing <6213>(8802) a great <1419> work <4399>, so that I cannot <3201>(8799) come down <3381>(8800): why should the work <4399> cease <7673>(8799), whilst <834> I leave <7503>(8686) it, and come down <3381>(8804) to you?
4. Yet they sent <7971>(8799) unto me four <702> times <6471> after this sort <1697>; and I answered <7725>(8686) them after the same manner <1697>.
5. Then sent <7971>(8799) Sanballat <5571> his servant <5288> unto me in like manner <1697> the fifth <2549> time <6471> with an open <6605>(8803) letter <107> in his hand <3027>;
6. Wherein was written <3789>(8803), It is reported <8085>(8738) among the heathen <1471>, and Gashmu <1654> saith <559>(8802) it, that thou and the Jews <3064> think <2803>(8802) to rebel <4775>(8800): for which cause <3651> thou buildest <1129>(8802) the wall <2346>, that thou mayest be <1933>(8802) their king <4428>, according to these words <1697>.
7. And thou hast also appointed <5975>(8689) prophets <5030> to preach <7121>(8800) of thee at Jerusalem <3389>, saying <559>(8800), There is a king <4428> in Judah <3063>: and now shall it be reported <8085>(8735) to the king <4428> according to these words <1697>. Come <3212>(8798) now therefore, and let us take counsel <3289>(8735) together <3162>.
8. Then I sent <7971>(8799) unto him, saying <559>(8800), There are <1961> <0> no such things <1697> done <1961>(8738) as thou sayest <559>(8802), but thou feignest <908>(8802) them out of thine own heart <3820>.
9. For they all made us afraid <3372>(8764), saying <559>(8800), Their hands <3027> shall be weakened <7503>(8799) from the work <4399>, that it be not done <6213>(8735). Now therefore, O God, strengthen <2388>(8761) my hands <3027>.
10. Afterward I came <935>(8804) unto the house <1004> of Shemaiah <8098> the son <1121> of Delaiah <1806> the son <1121> of Mehetabeel <4105>, who was shut up <6113>(8803); and he said <559>(8799), Let us meet together <3259>(8735) in the house <1004> of God <430>, within <8432> the temple <1964>, and let us shut <5462>(8799) the doors <1817> of the temple <1964>: for they will come <935>(8802) to slay <2026>(8800) thee; yea, in the night <3915> will they come <935>(8802) to slay <2026>(8800) thee.
11. And I said <559>(8799), Should such <3644> a man <376> as I flee <1272>(8799)? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go <935>(8799) into the temple <1964> to save his life <2425>(8804)? I will not go in <935>(8799).
12. And, lo, I perceived <5234>(8686) that God <430> had not sent <7971>(8804) him; but that he pronounced <1696>(8765) this prophecy <5016> against me: for Tobiah <2900> and Sanballat <5571> had hired <7936>(8804) him.
13. Therefore was he hired <7936>(8803), that I should be afraid <3372>(8799), and do so <6213>(8799), and sin <2398>(8804), and that they might have matter for an evil <7451> report <8034>, that they might reproach <2778>(8762) me.
14. My God <430>, think <2142>(8798) thou upon Tobiah <2900> and Sanballat <5571> according to these their works <4639>, and on the prophetess <5031> Noadiah <5129>, and the rest <3499> of the prophets <5030>, that would have put me in fear <3372>(8764).
15. So the wall <2346> was finished <7999>(8799) in the twenty <6242> and fifth <2568> day of the month Elul <435>, in fifty <2572> and two <8147> days <3117>.
16. And it came to pass, that when all our enemies <341>(8802) heard <8085>(8804) thereof, and all the heathen <1471> that were about us <5439> saw <7200>(8799) these things, they were much <3966> cast down <5307>(8799) in their own eyes <5869>: for they perceived <3045>(8799) that this work <4399> was wrought <6213>(8738) of our God <430>.
17. Moreover in those days <3117> the nobles <2715> of Judah <3063> sent <1980>(8802) many <7235>(8688) letters <107> unto Tobiah <2900>, and the letters of Tobiah <2900> came <935>(8802) unto them.
18. For there were many <7227> in Judah <3063> sworn <1167> <7621> unto him, because he was the son in law <2860> of Shechaniah <7935> the son <1121> of Arah <733>; and his son <1121> Johanan <3076> had taken <3947>(8804) the daughter <1323> of Meshullam <4918> the son <1121> of Berechiah <1296>.
19. Also they reported <559>(8802) his good deeds <2896> before <6440> me, and uttered <3318>(8688) my words <1697> to him. And Tobiah <2900> sent <7971>(8804) letters <107> to put me in fear <3372>(8763).
Notes that are not verse specific
The use of language from Judges 6:5 'Palmerworm' 6:5 'without number' should have taught Israel that God can save by a few - He did so in the days of Gideon.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
THE DAY OF THE LORD IS NEAR
The day of the LORD is coming! It is near. There is a real urgency about this message from the prophet Joel. The day of the LORD could be here at any moment - and you are not ready. You need to repent and plead with God for deliverance from the day of his wrath, Joel told the people of Israel - and you need to do it now before it is too late!
This message to the people of Israel and Judah is just as applicable to us in our lives today. In the days Joel spoke, Israel and Judah were about to be taken into captivity. Nations had invaded them and had sapped their strength and the final day of the LORD was just around the corner.
We know that we live in the last days. Nearly everything God has said will happen before the return of Christ, has happened. When the rest begins to happen we may find ourselves caught up in what is going on, and it may be too late for us to do anything about it. The day of the LORD is coming for us. The message is urgent because we must act while we still have the time - but time will run out.
Will you be ready for the day of the LORD?
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
1:4 What the cutting locust left, the swarming locust has eaten. What the swarming locust left, the hopping locust has eaten, and what the hopping locust left, the destroying locust has eaten
Assuming that these four events represent four different destructive events of Israel, the four events could be:
1. The Assyrian overthrow of the northern Kingdom and the almost overthrow of Judah
2. The Babylonian overthrow of Judah
3. The Roman destruction of Israel in AD 70
4. The destruction and near annihilation of Israel under Gog.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
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1. The word <1697> of the LORD <3068> that came to Joel <3100> the son <1121> of Pethuel <6602>.
2. Hear <8085>(8798) this, ye old men <2205>, and give ear <238>(8685), all ye inhabitants <3427>(8802) of the land <776>. Hath this been in your days <3117>, or even <518> in the days <3117> of your fathers <1>?
3. Tell <5608>(8761) ye your children <1121> of it, and let your children <1121> tell their children <1121>, and their children <1121> another <312> generation <1755>.
4. That which the palmerworm <1501> hath left <3499> hath the locust <697> eaten <398>(8804); and that which the locust <697> hath left <3499> hath the cankerworm <3218> eaten <398>(8804); and that which the cankerworm <3218> hath left <3499> hath the caterpiller <2625> eaten <398>(8804).
5. Awake <6974>(8685), ye drunkards <7910>, and weep <1058>(8798); and howl <3213>(8685), all ye drinkers <8354>(8802) of wine <3196>, because of the new wine <6071>; for it is cut off <3772>(8738) from your mouth <6310>.
6. For a nation <1471> is come up <5927>(8804) upon my land <776>, strong <6099>, and without number <4557>, whose teeth <8127> are the teeth <8127> of a lion <738>, and he hath the cheek teeth <4973> of a great lion <3833>.
7. He hath laid <7760>(8804) my vine <1612> waste <8047>, and barked <7111> my fig tree <8384>: he hath made it clean <2834>(8800) bare <2834>(8804), and cast it away <7993>(8689); the branches <8299> thereof are made white <3835>(8689).
8. Lament <421>(8798) like a virgin <1330> girded <2296>(8803) with sackcloth <8242> for the husband <1167> of her youth <5271>.
9. The meat offering <4503> and the drink offering <5262> is cut off <3772>(8717) from the house <1004> of the LORD <3068>; the priests <3548>, the LORD'S <3068> ministers <8334>(8764), mourn <56>(8804).
10. The field <7704> is wasted <7703>(8795), the land <127> mourneth <56>(8804); for the corn <1715> is wasted <7703>(8795): the new wine <8492> is dried up <3001>(8689), the oil <3323> languisheth <535>(8797).
11. Be ye ashamed <3001>(8685), O ye husbandmen <406>; howl <3213>(8685), O ye vinedressers <3755>, for the wheat <2406> and for the barley <8184>; because the harvest <7105> of the field <7704> is perished <6>(8804).
12. The vine <1612> is dried up <3001>(8689), and the fig tree <8384> languisheth <535>(8797); the pomegranate <7416> tree, the palm tree <8558> also, and the apple tree <8598>, even all the trees <6086> of the field <7704>, are withered <3001>(8804): because joy <8342> is withered away <3001>(8689) from the sons <1121> of men <120>.
13. Gird <2296>(8798) yourselves, and lament <5594>(8798), ye priests <3548>: howl <3213>(8685), ye ministers <8334>(8764) of the altar <4196>: come <935>(8798), lie all night <3885>(8798) in sackcloth <8242>, ye ministers <8334>(8764) of my God <430>: for the meat offering <4503> and the drink offering <5262> is withholden <4513>(8738) from the house <1004> of your God <430>.
14. Sanctify <6942>(8761) ye a fast <6685>, call <7121>(8798) a solemn assembly <6116>, gather <622>(8798) the elders <2205> and all the inhabitants <3427>(8802) of the land <776> into the house <1004> of the LORD <3068> your God <430>, and cry <2199>(8798) unto the LORD <3068>,
15. Alas <162> for the day <3117>! for the day <3117> of the LORD <3068> is at hand <7138>, and as a destruction <7701> from the Almighty <7706> shall it come <935>(8799).
16. Is not the meat <400> cut off <3772>(8738) before our eyes <5869>, yea, joy <8057> and gladness <1524> from the house <1004> of our God <430>?
17. The seed <6507> is rotten <5685>(8804) under their clods <4053>, the garners <214> are laid desolate <8074>(8738), the barns <4460> are broken down <2040>(8738); for the corn <1715> is withered <3001>(8689).
18. How do the beasts <929> groan <584>(8737)! the herds <5739> of cattle <1241> are perplexed <943>(8738), because they have no pasture <4829>; yea, the flocks <5739> of sheep <6629> are made desolate <816>(8738).
19. O LORD <3068>, to thee will I cry <7121>(8799): for the fire <784> hath devoured <398>(8804) the pastures <4999> of the wilderness <4057>, and the flame <3852> hath burned <3857>(8765) all the trees <6086> of the field <7704>.
20. The beasts <929> of the field <7704> cry <6165>(8799) also unto thee: for the rivers <650> of waters <4325> are dried up <3001>(8804), and the fire <784> hath devoured <398>(8804) the pastures <4999> of the wilderness <4057>.
Notes that are not verse specific
:22 'Abstain from all appearance of evil' matched 1 Thessalonians 4:12 'walk honestly …' and is one of the most difficult things to do. We have to try to put ourselves in the position of someone who may be critical of us and view our actions and thoughts from their perspective. The natural reaction is to think 'I have no evil motive' but that is not the issue. What others might think is important.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
5:15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
We are asked to do more than just refrain from repaying evil with evil. We are asked to actively "do good to one another and everyone". Even if the other person still despises you, despite you not only refraining from revenge but showing an attitude of goodwill to them, a clear conscience before God is priceless.
The softest pillow is a clear conscience.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
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1. But <1161> of <4012> the times <5550> and <2532> the seasons <2540>, brethren <80>, ye have <2192>(5719) no <3756> need <5532> that I write <1125>(5745) unto you <5213>.
2. For <1063> yourselves <846> know <1492>(5758) perfectly <199> that <3754> the day <2250> of the Lord <2962> so <3779> cometh <2064>(5736) as <5613> a thief <2812> in <1722> the night <3571>.
3. For <1063> when <3752> they shall say <3004>(5725), Peace <1515> and <2532> safety <803>; then <5119> sudden <160> destruction <3639> cometh upon <2186>(5731) them <846>, as <5618> travail <5604> upon <1722> a woman with child <1064> <2192>(5723); and <2532> they shall <1628> <0> not <3364> escape <1628>(5632).
4. But <1161> ye <5210>, brethren <80>, are <2075>(5748) not <3756> in <1722> darkness <4655>, that <2443> that day <2250> should overtake <2638>(5632) you <5209> as <5613> a thief <2812>.
5. Ye <5210> are <2075>(5748) all <3956> the children <5207> of light <5457>, and <2532> the children <5207> of the day <2250>: we are <2070>(5748) not <3756> of the night <3571>, nor <3761> of darkness <4655>.
6. Therefore <686> <3767> let us <2518> <0> not <3361> sleep <2518>(5725), as <5613> <2532> do others <3062>; but <235> let us watch <1127>(5725) and <2532> be sober <3525>(5725).
7. For <1063> they that sleep <2518>(5723) sleep <2518>(5719) in the night <3571>; and <2532> they that be drunken <3182>(5746) are drunken <3184>(5719) in the night <3571>.
8. But <1161> let <3525> <0> us <2249>, who are <5607>(5752) of the day <2250>, be sober <3525>(5725), putting on <1746>(5671) the breastplate <2382> of faith <4102> and <2532> love <26>; and <2532> for an helmet <4030>, the hope <1680> of salvation <4991>.
9. For <3754> God <2316> hath <5087> <0> not <3756> appointed <5087>(5639) us <2248> to <1519> wrath <3709>, but <235> to <1519> obtain <4047> salvation <4991> by <1223> our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>,
10. Who <3588> died <599>(5631) for <5228> us <2257>, that <2443>, whether <1535> we wake <1127>(5725) or <1535> sleep <2518>(5725), we should live <2198>(5661) together <260> with <4862> him <846>.
11. Wherefore <1352> comfort <3870>(5720) yourselves together <240>, and <2532> edify <3618>(5720) one <1520> another <1520>, even <2531> as also <2532> ye do <4160>(5719).
12. And <1161> we beseech <2065>(5719) you <5209>, brethren <80>, to know <1492>(5760) them which <3588> labour <2872>(5723) among <1722> you <5213>, and <2532> are over <4291>(5734) you <5216> in <1722> the Lord <2962>, and <2532> admonish <3560>(5723) you <5209>;
13. And <2532> to esteem <2233>(5738) them <846> very <5228> highly <1537> <4053> in <1722> love <26> for <1223> their <846> work's sake <2041>. And be at peace <1514>(5720) among <1722> yourselves <1438>.
14. Now <1161> we exhort <3870>(5719) you <5209>, brethren <80>, warn <3560>(5720) them that are unruly <813>, comfort <3888>(5737) the feebleminded <3642>, support <472>(5737) the weak <772>, be patient <3114>(5720) toward <4314> all <3956> men.
15. See <3708>(5720) that none <3361> <5100> render <591>(5632) evil <2556> for <473> evil <2556> unto any <5100> man; but <235> ever <3842> follow <1377>(5720) that which <3588> is good <18>, both <2532> among <1519> yourselves <240>, and <2532> to <1519> all <3956> men.
16. Rejoice <5463>(5720) evermore <3842>.
17. Pray <4336>(5737) without ceasing <89>.
18. In <1722> every thing <3956> give thanks <2168>(5720): for <1063> this <5124> is the will <2307> of God <2316> in <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> concerning <1519> you <5209>.
19. Quench <4570>(5720) not <3361> the Spirit <4151>.
20. Despise <1848>(5720) not <3361> prophesyings <4394>.
21. Prove <1381>(5720) all things <3956>; hold fast <2722>(5720) that which <3588> is good <2570>.
22. Abstain <567>(5732) from <575> all <3956> appearance <1491> of evil <4190>.
23. And <1161> the very <846> God <2316> of peace <1515> sanctify <37>(5659) you <5209> wholly <3651>; and <2532> I pray God your <5216> whole <3648> spirit <4151> and <2532> soul <5590> and <2532> body <4983> be preserved <5083>(5684) blameless <274> unto <1722> the coming <3952> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>.
24. Faithful <4103> is he that calleth <2564>(5723) you <5209>, who <3739> also <2532> will do <4160>(5692) it.
25. Brethren <80>, pray <4336>(5737) for <4012> us <2257>.
26. Greet <782>(5663) all <3956> the brethren <80> with <1722> an holy <40> kiss <5370>.
27. I charge <3726>(5719) you <5209> by the Lord <2962> that this epistle <1992> be read <314>(5683) unto all <3956> the holy <40> brethren <80>.
28. The grace <5485> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> be with <3326> you <5216>. Amen <281>. The first <4413> epistle to <4314> the Thessalonians <2331> was written <1125>(5648) from <575> Athens <116>.