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Notes that are not verse specific
To this very day the Jews keep the feast of Purim and celebrate the deliverance from Haman's wicked devices. It parallels with the deliverance from Egypt in that the nation were delivered from one who wanted to wipe them out from being a nation. In a similar way Hitler tried to annihilate the Jews - and failed. Whilst these might seem to be natural deliverances we should, on thinking of them, truly appreciate that God will not cast off His people and will not break His covenant with the seed of Abraham.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
The celebration called Purim is not mentioned by name in the New Testament, but we know from Zech 7:3-7 that extra fasts had been introduced to the Jewish calendar in Babylon. I presume then that Purim likewise was added to the calendar.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to David
The Book of Esther is a wonderful reminder that God is ever present to help, even though there appears for the moment, no tangible evidence of His presence. Let us never lose our faith in Him, for ultimate deliverance is certain (Isa 54:17).
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to John
The feast of Purim foreshadows the rejoicing of the nation of Israel after their regathering from among the nations where they have been subdued by the Gentiles, and the rebels among them are purged out. (Isa 35, Isa 66, Isa 60:16, Eze 20:33-34) It is a commemoration of Divine deliverance. It points to Divine grace which was shown to the nation at this time, and is a token of that grace that has been extended to all mankind which in Christ Jesus is mighty to save.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to John
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1. Now in the twelfth <8147> <6240> month <2320>, that is, the month <2320> Adar <143>, on the thirteenth <7969> <6240> day <3117> of the same, when the king's <4428> commandment <1697> and his decree <1881> drew near <5060>(8689) to be put in execution <6213>(8736), in the day <3117> that the enemies <341>(8802) of the Jews <3064> hoped <7663>(8765) to have power <7980>(8800) over them, (though it was turned <2015>(8736) to the contrary, that the Jews <3064> had rule <7980>(8799) over them that hated <8130>(8802) them;)
2. The Jews <3064> gathered themselves together <6950>(8738) in their cities <5892> throughout all the provinces <4082> of the king <4428> Ahasuerus <325>, to lay <7971>(8800) hand <3027> on such as sought <1245>(8764) their hurt <7451>: and no man <376> could withstand <5975>(8804) them <6440>; for the fear <6343> of them fell <5307>(8804) upon all people <5971>.
3. And all the rulers <8269> of the provinces <4082>, and the lieutenants <323>, and the deputies <6346>, and officers <6213>(8802) <4399> of the king <4428>, helped <5375>(8764) the Jews <3064>; because the fear <6343> of Mordecai <4782> fell <5307>(8804) upon them.
4. For Mordecai <4782> was great <1419> in the king's <4428> house <1004>, and his fame <8089> went out <1980>(8802) throughout all the provinces <4082>: for this man <376> Mordecai <4782> waxed <1980>(8802) greater and greater <1419>.
5. Thus the Jews <3064> smote <5221>(8686) all their enemies <341>(8802) with the stroke <4347> of the sword <2719>, and slaughter <2027>, and destruction <12>, and did <6213>(8799) what they would <7522> unto those that hated <8130>(8802) them.
6. And in Shushan <7800> the palace <1002> the Jews <3064> slew <2026>(8804) and destroyed <6>(8763) five <2568> hundred <3967> men <376>.
7. And Parshandatha <6577>, and Dalphon <1813>, and Aspatha <630>,
8. And Poratha <6334>, and Adalia <118>, and Aridatha <743>,
9. And Parmashta <6534>, and Arisai <747>, and Aridai <742>, and Vajezatha <2055>,
10. The ten <6235> sons <1121> of Haman <2001> the son <1121> of Hammedatha <4099>, the enemy <6887>(8802) of the Jews <3064>, slew <2026>(8804) they; but on the spoil <961> laid <7971>(8804) they not their hand <3027>.
11. On that day <3117> the number <4557> of those that were slain <2026>(8803) in Shushan <7800> the palace <1002> was brought <935>(8804) before <6440> the king <4428>.
12. And the king <4428> said <559>(8799) unto Esther <635> the queen <4436>, The Jews <3064> have slain <2026>(8804) and destroyed <6>(8763) five <2568> hundred <3967> men <376> in Shushan <7800> the palace <1002>, and the ten <6235> sons <1121> of Haman <2001>; what have they done <6213>(8804) in the rest <7605> of the king's <4428> provinces <4082>? now what is thy petition <7596>? and it shall be granted <5414>(8735) thee: or what is thy request <1246> further <5750>? and it shall be done <6213>(8735).
13. Then said <559>(8799) Esther <635>, If it please <2896> the king <4428>, let it be granted <5414>(8735) to the Jews <3064> which are in Shushan <7800> to do <6213>(8800) to morrow <4279> also according unto this day's <3117> decree <1881>, and let Haman's <2001> ten <6235> sons <1121> be hanged <8518>(8799) upon the gallows <6086>.
14. And the king <4428> commanded <559>(8799) it so to be done <6213>(8736): and the decree <1881> was given <5414>(8735) at Shushan <7800>; and they hanged <8518>(8804) Haman's <2001> ten <6235> sons <1121>.
15. For the Jews <3064> that were in Shushan <7800> gathered themselves together <6950>(8735) on the fourteenth <702> <6240> day <3117> also of the month <2320> Adar <143>, and slew <2026>(8799) three <7969> hundred <3967> men <376> at Shushan <7800>; but on the prey <961> they laid <7971>(8804) not their hand <3027>.
16. But the other <7605> Jews <3064> that were in the king's <4428> provinces <4082> gathered themselves together <6950>(8738), and stood <5975>(8800) for their lives <5315>, and had rest <5118> from their enemies <341>(8802), and slew <2026>(8800) of their foes <8130>(8802) seventy <7657> and five <2568> thousand <505>, but they laid <7971>(8804) not their hands <3027> on the prey <961>,
17. On the thirteenth <7969> <6240> day <3117> of the month <2320> Adar <143>; and on the fourteenth <702> <6240> day of the same rested <5118> they, and made <6213>(8800) it a day <3117> of feasting <4960> and gladness <8057>.
18. But the Jews <3064> that were at Shushan <7800> assembled together <6950>(8738) on the thirteenth <7969> <6240> day thereof, and on the fourteenth <702> <6240> thereof; and on the fifteenth <2568> <6240> day of the same they rested <5118>, and made <6213>(8800) it a day <3117> of feasting <4960> and gladness <8057>.
19. Therefore the Jews <3064> of the villages <6521>, that dwelt <3427>(8802) in the unwalled <6519> towns <5892>, made <6213>(8802) the fourteenth <702> <6240> day <3117> of the month <2320> Adar <143> a day of gladness <8057> and feasting <4960>, and a good <2896> day <3117>, and of sending <4916> portions <4490> one <376> to another <7453>.
20. And Mordecai <4782> wrote <3789>(8799) these things <1697>, and sent <7971>(8799) letters <5612> unto all the Jews <3064> that were in all the provinces <4082> of the king <4428> Ahasuerus <325>, both nigh <7138> and far <7350>,
21. To stablish <6965>(8763) this among them, that they should keep <6213>(8802) the fourteenth <702> <6240> day <3117> of the month <2320> Adar <143>, and the fifteenth <2568> <6240> day <3117> of the same, yearly <8141> <8141>,
22. As the days <3117> wherein the Jews <3064> rested <5117>(8804) from their enemies <341>(8802), and the month <2320> which was turned <2015>(8738) unto them from sorrow <3015> to joy <8057>, and from mourning <60> into a good <2896> day <3117>: that they should make <6213>(8800) them days <3117> of feasting <4960> and joy <8057>, and of sending <4916> portions <4490> one <376> to another <7453>, and gifts <4979> to the poor <34>.
23. And the Jews <3064> undertook <6901>(8765) to do <6213>(8800) as they had begun <2490>(8689), and as Mordecai <4782> had written <3789>(8804) unto them;
24. Because Haman <2001> the son <1121> of Hammedatha <4099>, the Agagite <91>, the enemy <6887>(8802) of all the Jews <3064>, had devised <2803>(8804) against the Jews <3064> to destroy <6>(8763) them, and had cast <5307>(8689) Pur <6332>, that is, the lot <1486>, to consume <2000>(8800) them, and to destroy <6>(8763) them;
25. But when Esther came <935>(8800) before <6440> the king <4428>, he commanded <559>(8804) by letters <5612> that his wicked <7451> device <4284>, which he devised <2803>(8804) against the Jews <3064>, should return <7725>(8799) upon his own head <7218>, and that he and his sons <1121> should be hanged <8518>(8804) on the gallows <6086>.
26. Wherefore they called <7121>(8804) these days <3117> Purim <6332> after the name <8034> of Pur <6332>. Therefore for all the words <1697> of this letter <107>, and of that which they had seen <7200>(8804) concerning this matter <3602>, and which had come <5060>(8689) unto them,
27. The Jews <3064> ordained <6965>(8765), and took <6901>(8765) upon them, and upon their seed <2233>, and upon all such as joined <3867>(8737) themselves unto them, so as it should not fail <5674>(8799), that they would keep <6213>(8802) these two <8147> days <3117> according to their writing <3791>, and according to their appointed time <2165> every year <8141> <8141>;
28. And that these days <3117> should be remembered <2142>(8737) and kept <6213>(8737) throughout <1755> every generation <1755>, every family <4940>, every province <4082>, and every city <5892>; and that these days <3117> of Purim <6332> should not fail <5674>(8799) from among <8432> the Jews <3064>, nor the memorial <2143> of them perish <5486>(8799) from their seed <2233>.
29. Then Esther <635> the queen <4436>, the daughter <1323> of Abihail <32>, and Mordecai <4782> the Jew <3064>, wrote <3789>(8799) with all authority <8633>, to confirm <6965>(8763) this second <8145> letter <107> of Purim <6332>.
30. And he sent <7971>(8799) the letters <5612> unto all the Jews <3064>, to the hundred <3967> twenty <6242> and seven <7651> provinces <4082> of the kingdom <4438> of Ahasuerus <325>, with words <1697> of peace <7965> and truth <571>,
31. To confirm <6965>(8763) these days <3117> of Purim <6332> in their times <2165> appointed, according as Mordecai <4782> the Jew <3064> and Esther <635> the queen <4436> had enjoined <6965>(8765) them, and as they had decreed <6965>(8765) for themselves <5315> and for their seed <2233>, the matters <1697> of the fastings <6685> and their cry <2201>.
32. And the decree <3982> of Esther <635> confirmed <6965>(8765) these matters <1697> of Purim <6332>; and it was written <3789>(8737) in the book <5612>.
1. And the king <4428> Ahasuerus <325> laid <7760>(8799) a tribute <4522> upon the land <776>, and upon the isles <339> of the sea <3220>.
2. And all the acts <4639> of his power <8633> and of his might <1369>, and the declaration <6575> of the greatness <1420> of Mordecai <4782>, whereunto the king <4428> advanced <1431>(8765) him, are they not written <3789>(8803) in the book <5612> of the chronicles <1697> <3117> of the kings <4428> of Media <4074> and Persia <6539>?
3. For Mordecai <4782> the Jew <3064> was next <4932> unto king <4428> Ahasuerus <325>, and great <1419> among the Jews <3064>, and accepted <7521>(8803) of the multitude <7230> of his brethren <251>, seeking <1875>(8802) the wealth <2896> of his people <5971>, and speaking <1696>(8802) peace <7965> to all his seed <2233>.
Notes that are not verse specific
Whilst Jonah takes a back seat in the storm account this contrasts powerfully with Paul (Acts 27:10-44) who is a major player in the narrative. A contrast. Jonah was fleeing from God - or trying to. Paul saw his journey to Rome as an opportunity to preach.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
YOU CAN'T HIDE FROM THE LORD
Jonah didn't like what God told him to do. As there was no use complaining or saying "NO!", Jonah decided to run away and hide from the LORD instead. He caught a ship going in the opposite direction from where God wanted him to go and went into the bottom of the ship and fell asleep. If anywhere was going to be safe from the eyes of God, this was going to be it. Jonah was far from the place he should have been, in the middle of the sea, in the bottom of a boat and asleep. It had about the same amount of impact on God as a child standing in the middle of a room with his eyes shut, shouting, "You can't see me!" But God knew exactly where Jonah was and he sent a storm to prove it. Jonah was about to learn a lesson. He thought God couldn't see him in the middle of the sea, in the bottom of the boat with his eyes shut. But then he was thrown overboard and swallowed by the fish. Now he was hidden by God, and he knew that God knew where he was. God had hidden Jonah better than he could hide himself. He was in the middle of the ocean, at the bottom of the sea, inside a fish and in total darkness. From there Jonah learned that God can see everything, everywhere and that he hears prayer from even the remotest and most well hidden of places.
The lesson is that no matter how well hidden we are, no matter how many curtains we pull and how many doors we shut and lock, God sees us and he knows everything we do. But if we repent and turn back to God he will hear our prayer from where ever we happen to be..
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Robert
Jonah came from Gath Hepher (2Kin 14:25). Today Gath Hepher is called El Meshed and is situated two miles from Nazareth (in Galilee). The (supposed) tomb of Jonah is there and revered by the locals. The proximity of Gath Hepher to Christ's home town adds even more weight to the statement in John 7:52.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Michael
1 When we read the prophecy of Jonah we should realise that we are being shown the problem that Jonah had with the righteousness of God. His actual words of prophecy are very few. Look for them in your reading.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to Peter
You cannot escape from God. The Lord told Jonah to go east, and he went west. And look how many people and how much sea was disturbed just to get Jonah back to where he should be! Even a special fish was created. That hadn’t happened since the 6th day of creation!
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to David
In 700 BC, Nineveh was Sennacherib's great capital city of Assyria. In Jonah's time, the capital was Calneh which lay some 20 miles south of Sennacherib's city. Calneh, however, was part of the city-state which included Nineveh.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Michael
The story of Jonah may have taken place during the reign of Jeroboam II because of a reference to Jonah in 2Kin 14:25. He is from town belonging to the tribe of Zebulun called Gath Hepher, or Gittah-hepher, see Josh 19:10-13, which is in the North of Israel near to Galilee. That means his journey to Joppa (modern Jaffa) could have been 100km, at least a three day journey.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Rob
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1. Now the word <1697> of the LORD <3068> came unto Jonah <3124> the son <1121> of Amittai <573>, saying <559>(8800),
2. Arise <6965>(8798), go <3212>(8798) to Nineveh <5210>, that great <1419> city <5892>, and cry <7121>(8798) against it; for their wickedness <7451> is come up <5927>(8804) before <6440> me.
3. But Jonah <3124> rose up <6965>(8799) to flee <1272>(8800) unto Tarshish <8659> from the presence <6440> of the LORD <3068>, and went down <3381>(8799) to Joppa <3305>; and he found <4672>(8799) a ship <591> going <935>(8802) to Tarshish <8659>: so he paid <5414>(8799) the fare <7939> thereof, and went down <3381>(8799) into it, to go <935>(8800) with them unto Tarshish <8659> from the presence <6440> of the LORD <3068>.
4. But the LORD <3068> sent out <2904>(8689) a great <1419> wind <7307> into the sea <3220>, and there was a mighty <1419> tempest <5591> in the sea <3220>, so that the ship <591> was like <2803>(8765) to be broken <7665>(8736).
5. Then the mariners <4419> were afraid <3372>(8799), and cried <2199>(8799) every man <376> unto his god <430>, and cast forth <2904>(8686) the wares <3627> that were in the ship <591> into the sea <3220>, to lighten <7043>(8687) it of them. But Jonah <3124> was gone down <3381>(8804) into the sides <3411> of the ship <5600>; and he lay <7901>(8799), and was fast asleep <7290>(8735).
6. So the shipmaster <7227> <2259> came <7126>(8799) to him, and said <559>(8799) unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper <7290>(8737)? arise <6965>(8798), call <7121>(8798) upon thy God <430>, if so be that God <430> will think <6245>(8691) upon us, that we perish <6>(8799) not.
7. And they said <559>(8799) every one <376> to his fellow <7453>, Come <3212>(8798), and let us cast <5307>(8686) lots <1486>, that we may know <3045>(8799) for whose cause <7945> this evil <7451> is upon us. So they cast <5307>(8686) lots <1486>, and the lot <1486> fell <5307>(8799) upon Jonah <3124>.
8. Then said <559>(8799) they unto him, Tell <5046>(8685) us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil <7451> is upon us; What is thine occupation <4399>? and whence <370> comest <935>(8799) thou? what is thy country <776>? and of what people <5971> art thou?
9. And he said <559>(8799) unto them, I am an Hebrew <5680>; and I fear <3373> the LORD <3068>, the God <430> of heaven <8064>, which hath made <6213>(8804) the sea <3220> and the dry <3004> land.
10. Then were the men <582> exceedingly <1419> <3374> afraid <3372>(8799), and said <559>(8799) unto him, Why hast thou done <6213>(8804) this? For the men <582> knew <3045>(8804) that he fled <1272>(8802) from the presence <6440> of the LORD <3068>, because he had told <5046>(8689) them.
11. Then said <559>(8799) they unto him, What shall we do <6213>(8799) unto thee, that the sea <3220> may be calm <8367>(8799) unto us? for the sea <3220> wrought <1980>(8802), and was tempestuous <5590>(8802).
12. And he said <559>(8799) unto them, Take me up <5375>(8798), and cast me forth <2904>(8685) into the sea <3220>; so shall the sea <3220> be calm <8367>(8799) unto you: for I know <3045>(8802) that for my sake <7945> this great <1419> tempest <5591> is upon you.
13. Nevertheless the men <582> rowed hard <2864>(8799) to bring <7725>(8687) it to the land <3004>; but they could <3201>(8804) not: for the sea <3220> wrought <1980>(8802), and was tempestuous <5590>(8802) against them.
14. Wherefore they cried <7121>(8799) unto the LORD <3068>, and said <559>(8799), We beseech thee <577>, O LORD <3068>, we beseech thee, let us not perish <6>(8799) for this man's <376> life <5315>, and lay <5414>(8799) not upon us innocent <5355>(8675) <5355> blood <1818>: for thou, O LORD <3068>, hast done <6213>(8804) as it pleased <2654>(8804) thee.
15. So they took up <5375>(8799) Jonah <3124>, and cast him forth <2904>(8686) into the sea <3220>: and the sea <3220> ceased <5975>(8799) from her raging <2197>.
16. Then the men <582> feared <3372>(8799) the LORD <3068> exceedingly <1419> <3374>, and offered <2076>(8799) a sacrifice <2077> unto the LORD <3068>, and made <5087>(8799) vows <5088>.
17. Now the LORD <3068> had prepared <4487>(8762) a great <1419> fish <1709> to swallow up <1104>(8800) Jonah <3124>. And Jonah <3124> was in the belly <4578> of the fish <1709> three <7969> days <3117> and three <7969> nights <3915>.
Notes that are not verse specific
6:15 The example of Abraham's patient endurance would be very necessary for the brethren in Jerusalem who would be suffering greatly through their willingness to accept the sacrifice of Jesus. In accepting Christ the many priests that believed (Acts 6:7) would have lost all the status they had in society and would have also lost their livelihood.
ch. 7 - Whereas some have, in the past, suggested that Melchisedec was in fact Shem there is no value in such suggestions. The very point of the argument in Hebrews is that there is no need to know his ancestry.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
Christ Our City of Refuge
Heb.6:18-20– “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie , we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge … even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
The Greek word in Hebrews that is translated "refuge" is the same one used in the Septuagint in the passages describing the cities of refuge. The writer of Hebrews is telling us that the only way to experience the power of God that saves us is when we run to Him in desperation--for refuge.
And to understand one of the clearest explanations of entering into the refuge of Christ, we turn to Joshua 20. When Israel entered the Promised Land, God gave them a constant reminder of His salvation. This reminder was ordered by God to be set up in the Land as a visible symbol of Him as God their Savior 24 - 7 across the entire land.
What was that reminder? A strategically placed group of six cities called the Cities of Refuge. There is actually a whole chapter of the Bible (Joshua 20) devoted to these cities. There are many pictures of salvation in God's Word--Jesus used the serpent lifted up, Passover lamb, and so on. But one of the most beautiful, is found in the lesson of the “Cities of Refuge”
The name of Yahweh, in all its fullness, is manifested in the Lord Jesus Christ (Col. 1:9), who, in the terms of the title now before us, comprises a city of refuge for believers.
Matt.11:28“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden , and I will give you rest”
This picture is one that shows Jesus is always waiting, His arms are always open to be our “City of Refuge”, both now and forever.
Peter Dulis [toronto west] Comment added in 2010 Reply to Peter
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1. Therefore <1352> leaving <863>(5631) the principles <746> of the doctrine <3056> of Christ <5547>, let us go on <5342>(5747) unto <1909> perfection <5047>; not <3361> laying <2598>(5734) again <3825> the foundation <2310> of repentance <3341> from <575> dead <3498> works <2041>, and <2532> of faith <4102> toward <1909> God <2316>,
2. Of the doctrine <1322> of baptisms <909>, and <5037> of laying on <1936> of hands <5495>, and <5037> of resurrection <386> of the dead <3498>, and <2532> of eternal <166> judgment <2917>.
3. And <2532> this <5124> will we do <4160>(5692), if <1437> <4007> God <2316> permit <2010>(5725).
4. For <1063> it is impossible <102> for those who were once <530> enlightened <5461>(5685), and <5037> have tasted <1089>(5666) of the heavenly <2032> gift <1431>, and <2532> were made <1096>(5679) partakers <3353> of the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>,
5. And <2532> have tasted <1089>(5666) the good <2570> word <4487> of God <2316>, and <5037> the powers <1411> of the world <165> to come <3195>(5723),
6. If <2532> they shall fall away <3895>(5631), to renew them <340>(5721) again <3825> unto <1519> repentance <3341>; seeing they crucify <388> <0> to themselves <1438> the Son <5207> of God <2316> afresh <388>(5723), and <2532> put him to an open shame <3856>(5723).
7. For <1063> the earth <1093> which <3588> drinketh in <4095>(5631) the rain <5205> that cometh <2064>(5740) oft <4178> upon <1909> it <846>, and <2532> bringeth forth <5088>(5723) herbs <1008> meet <2111> for them <1565> by <1223> whom <3739> it is dressed <1090>(5743), receiveth <3335>(5719) blessing <2129> from <575> God <2316>:
8. But <1161> that which beareth <1627>(5723) thorns <173> and <2532> briers <5146> is rejected <96>, and <2532> is nigh <1451> unto cursing <2671>; whose <3739> end <5056> is to <1519> be burned <2740>.
9. But <1161>, beloved <27>, we are persuaded <3982>(5769) better things <2909> of <4012> you <5216>, and <2532> things that accompany <2192>(5746) salvation <4991>, though <1499> we <2980> <0> thus <3779> speak <2980>(5719).
10. For <1063> God <2316> is not <3756> unrighteous <94> to forget <1950>(5635) your <5216> work <2041> and <2532> labour <2873> of love <26>, which <3739> ye have shewed <1731>(5668)(5625) <1731>(5669) toward <1519> his <846> name <3686>, in that ye have ministered <1247>(5660) to the saints <40>, and <2532> do minister <1247>(5723).
11. And <1161> we desire <1937>(5719) that every one <1538> of you <5216> do shew <1731>(5733) the same <846> diligence <4710> to <4314> the full assurance <4136> of hope <1680> unto <891> the end <5056>:
12. That <2443> ye be <1096>(5638) not <3363> slothful <3576>, but <1161> followers <3402> of them who through <1223> faith <4102> and <2532> patience <3115> inherit <2816>(5723) the promises <1860>.
13. For <1063> when God <2316> made promise <1861>(5666) to Abraham <11>, because <1893> he could <2192>(5707) swear <3660>(5658) by <2596> no <3762> greater <3187>, he sware <3660>(5656) by <2596> himself <1438>,
14. Saying <3004>(5723), Surely <2229> <3375> blessing <2127>(5723) I will bless <2127>(5692) thee <4571>, and <2532> multiplying <4129>(5723) I will multiply <4129>(5692) thee <4571>.
15. And <2532> so <3779>, after he had patiently endured <3114>(5660), he obtained <2013>(5627) the promise <1860>.
16. For <1063> men <444> verily <3303> swear <3660>(5719) by <2596> the greater <3187>: and <2532> an oath <3727> for <1519> confirmation <951> is to them <846> an end <4009> of all <3956> strife <485>.
17. Wherein <1722> <3739> God <2316>, willing <1014>(5740) more abundantly <4054> to shew <1925>(5658) unto the heirs <2818> of promise <1860> the immutability <276> of his <848> counsel <1012>, confirmed <3315>(5656) it by an oath <3727>:
18. That <2443> by <1223> two <1417> immutable <276> things <4229>, in <1722> which <3739> it was impossible <102> for God <2316> to lie <5574>(5664), we might have <2192>(5725) a strong <2478> consolation <3874>, who <3588> have fled for refuge <2703>(5631) to lay hold <2902>(5658) upon the hope <1680> set before us <4295>(5740):
19. Which <3739> hope we have <2192>(5719) as <5613> an anchor <45> of the soul <5590>, both <5037> sure <804> and <2532> stedfast <949>, and <2532> which entereth <1525>(5740) into <1519> that within <2082> the veil <2665>;
20. Whither <3699> the forerunner <4274> is <1525> <0> for <5228> us <2257> entered <1525>(5627), even Jesus <2424>, made <1096>(5637) an high priest <749> for <1519> ever <165> after <2596> the order <5010> of Melchisedec <3198>.
1. For <1063> this <3778> Melchisedec <3198>, king <935> of Salem <4532>, priest <2409> of the most high <5310> God <2316>, who <3588> met <4876>(5660) Abraham <11> returning <5290>(5723) from <575> the slaughter <2871> of the kings <935>, and <2532> blessed <2127>(5660) him <846>;
2. To whom <3739> also <2532> Abraham <11> gave <3307>(5656) a tenth part <1181> of <575> all <3956>; first <4412> <3303> being by interpretation <2059>(5746) King <935> of righteousness <1343>, and <1161> after that <1899> also <2532> King <935> of Salem <4532>, which <3603> is <2076>(5748), King <935> of peace <1515>;
3. Without father <540>, without mother <282>, without descent <35>, having <2192>(5723) neither <3383> beginning <746> of days <2250>, nor <3383> end <5056> of life <2222>; but <1161> made like <871>(5772) unto the Son <5207> of God <2316>; abideth <3306>(5719) a priest <2409> continually <1519> <1336>.
4. Now <1161> consider <2334>(5719)(5720) how great <4080> this man <3778> was, unto whom <3739> even <2532> the patriarch <3966> Abraham <11> gave <1325>(5656) the tenth <1181> of <1537> the spoils <205>.
5. And <2532> verily <3303> they that are of <1537> the sons <5207> of Levi <3017>, who <3588> receive <2983>(5723) the office of the priesthood <2405>, have <2192>(5719) a commandment <1785> to take tithes <586>(5721) of the people <2992> according to <2596> the law <3551>, that is <5123>(5748), of their <848> brethren <80>, though <2539> they come <1831>(5761) out of <1537> the loins <3751> of Abraham <11>:
6. But <1161> he whose descent is <1075> <0> not <3361> counted <1075>(5746) from <1537> them <846> received tithes <1183>(5758) of Abraham <11>, and <2532> blessed <2127>(5758) him that had <2192>(5723) the promises <1860>.
7. And <1161> without <5565> all <3956> contradiction <485> the less <1640> is blessed <2127>(5743) of <5259> the better <2909>.
8. And <2532> here <5602> <3303> men <444> that die <599>(5723) receive <2983>(5719) tithes <1181>; but <1161> there <1563> he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed <3140>(5746) that <3754> he liveth <2198>(5719).
9. And <2532> as <5613> I may so say <2031> <2036>(5629), Levi <3017> also <2532>, who <3588> receiveth <2983>(5723) tithes <1181>, payed tithes <1183>(5769) in <1223> Abraham <11>.
10. For <1063> he was <2258>(5713) yet <2089> in <1722> the loins <3751> of his father <3962>, when <3753> Melchisedec <3198> met <4876>(5656) him <846>.
11. If <1487> <3303> therefore <3767> perfection <5050> were <2258>(5713) by <1223> the Levitical <3020> priesthood <2420>, (for <1063> under <1909> it <846> the people <2992> received the law <3549>(5718),) what <5101> further <2089> need <5532> was there that another <2087> priest <2409> should rise <450>(5733) after <2596> the order <5010> of Melchisedec <3198>, and <2532> not <3756> be called <3004>(5745) after <2596> the order <5010> of Aaron <2>?
12. For <1063> the priesthood <2420> being changed <3346>(5746), there is made <1096>(5736) of <1537> necessity <318> a change <3331> also <2532> of the law <3551>.
13. For <1063> he of <1909> whom <3739> these things <5023> are spoken <3004>(5743) pertaineth <3348>(5758) to another <2087> tribe <5443>, of <575> which <3739> no man <3762> gave attendance <4337>(5758) at the altar <2379>.
14. For <1063> it is evident <4271> that <3754> our <2257> Lord <2962> sprang <393>(5758) out of <1537> Juda <2455>; of <1519> which <3739> tribe <5443> Moses <3475> spake <2980>(5656) nothing <3762> concerning <4012> priesthood <2420>.
15. And <2532> it is <2076>(5748) yet <2089> far more <4054> evident <2612>: for <1487> that after <2596> the similitude <3665> of Melchisedec <3198> there ariseth <450>(5731) another <2087> priest <2409>,
16. Who <3739> is made <1096>(5754), not <3756> after <2596> the law <3551> of a carnal <4559> commandment <1785>, but <235> after <2596> the power <1411> of an endless <179> life <2222>.
17. For <1063> he testifieth <3140>(5719), <3754> Thou <4771> art a priest <2409> for <1519> ever <165> after <2596> the order <5010> of Melchisedec <3198>.
18. For <1063> there is <1096>(5736) verily <3303> a disannulling <115> of the commandment <1785> going before <4254>(5723) for <1223> the weakness <772> and <2532> unprofitableness <512> thereof <846>.
19. For <1063> the law <3551> made <5048> <0> nothing <3762> perfect <5048>(5656), but <1161> the bringing in <1898> of a better <2909> hope <1680> did; by <1223> the which <3739> we draw nigh <1448>(5719) unto God <2316>.
20. And <2532> inasmuch as <2596> <3745> not <3756> without <5565> an oath <3728> he was made priest:
21. (For <1063> those priests <2409> were <3303> <1526>(5748) made <1096>(5756) without <5565> an oath <3728>; but <1161> this with <3326> an oath <3728> by <1223> him that said <3004>(5723) unto <4314> him <846>, The Lord <2962> sware <3660>(5656) and <2532> will <3338> <0> not <3756> repent <3338>(5700), Thou <4771> art a priest <2409> for <1519> ever <165> after <2596> the order <5010> of Melchisedec <3198>:)
22. By <2596> so much <5118> was <1096> <0> Jesus <2424> made <1096>(5754) a surety <1450> of a better <2909> testament <1242>.
23. And <2532> they <1526> <0> truly <3303> were <1526>(5748) <1096>(5756) many <4119> priests <2409>, because <1223> they were not suffered <2967>(5745) to continue <3887>(5721) by reason of <1223> death <2288>:
24. But <1161> this man, because <1223> he <846> continueth <3306>(5721) ever <1519> <165>, hath <2192>(5719) an unchangeable <531> priesthood <2420>.
25. Wherefore <3606> he is able <1410>(5736) also <2532> to save them <4982>(5721) to <1519> the uttermost <3838> that come <4334>(5740) unto God <2316> by <1223> him <846>, seeing he ever <3842> liveth <2198>(5723) to <1519> make intercession <1793>(5721) for <5228> them <846>.
26. For <1063> such <5108> an high priest <749> became <4241>(5707) us <2254>, who is holy <3741>, harmless <172>, undefiled <283>, separate <5563>(5772) from <575> sinners <268>, and <2532> made <1096>(5637) higher than <5308> the heavens <3772>;
27. Who <3739> needeth <2192>(5719) <318> not <3756> daily <2596> <2250>, as <5618> those high priests <749>, to offer up <399>(5721) sacrifice <2378>, first <4386> for <5228> his own <2398> sins <266>, and then <1899> for the people's <2992>: for <1063> this <5124> he did <4160>(5656) once <2178>, when he offered up <399>(5660) himself <1438>.
28. For <1063> the law <3551> maketh <2525>(5719) men <444> high priests <749> which have <2192>(5723) infirmity <769>; but <1161> the word <3056> of the oath <3728>, which <3588> was since <3326> the law <3551>, maketh the Son <5207>, who is consecrated <5048>(5772) for <1519> evermore <165>.