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Notes that are not verse specific
FAITH LEADERSHIP
This instance shows how the faith of all the people of Israel had grown, since David came to the fore. Many years before, the men of Israel had all been standing on the side of a hill, trembling, as Goliath shouted his challenge across the valley. Only one boy, David, had the faith to accept his challenge and to kill the giant. From that time on David's leadership strengthened all the people who followed him.
Now Israel were able to stand by themselves in the strength of their own faith, in their own God. Israel went out to battle while David stayed at home. David's followers had the strength, motivation and faith, to face the battles without David, and they won their battles. Even when it came to fighting the giants that were left from Goliath's family, it was not David that killed them, but his men.
With the right examples to follow, ordinary people can become extraordinary; faithless people can become faithful; the weak can become strong; the hesitant, decisive; and the unmotivated, motivated.
Let's make sure we show a strong example of godliness in every aspect of our lives, so that we can be like David, spurring others on to a life of faith and good works.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Robert
A place for the ark to rest
There is a very unhelpful chapter break between 21 and 22. Really these two chapters need to be read together, because as you can see from 1Chron 22:1, it was this new altar and new burned offering that showed David where the temple ought to be built. The implication of v1-2 is that David immediately set about preparing for building the temple, now that this thing had been revealed to him.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Rob
1 Chronicles 20
This chapter is very much about giants. Notice v4, 6 and 8 all mention them. In each case the word used is "Rephaim", which is a specific race of people mentioned first in Gen 14:5. The Moabites called these people "Emims" (see Deut 2:11) and the Ammonites called them Zamzummims (see Deut 2:20). All three names appear together in Gen 14:5:
"in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim"
They are mentioned as living in the land of Israel in Gen 15:20. The largest of them was Og, King of Bashan (Deut 3:11), who could have been as much as 14ft tall, twice as tall as the largest people alive today.
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Rob
21 v1. We often equate God with Satan on the basis that the parallel record in 2 Samuel 24:1 states that God incited David to number Israel whereas 1Chron 21:1 states that God incited David to number Israel. But could it be that God allowed an adversary (satan) to incite David to number Israel? Thus, whilst the adversary actually did the incitement, it could be equally said that God did the deed. It is no different to David saying that God has given David the victory in a battle, even though all the apparent work was done by David himself and human observers lauded David for his military skill. Similarly, Nebuchadnezzar is described as "God's servant" (Jeremiah 27:6) because he was the instrument for Judah's punishment for iniquity. God punished Judah yet so did Nebuchadnezzar - it was the same punishment because God performed it through Nebuchadnezzar.
There are other reasons for suggesting that God was not actually the Satan of 1 Chronicles 21:1. Throughout I Chronicles 21, God is naturally and abundantly referred to as "God" or "the LORD" (Yahweh). Why then do we insist that the Satan of 1 Chronicles 21:1 is actually God when everywhere else in the same chapter He is simply "God" or "the LORD"? After all, 2 Samuel 24:1 has no problem in stating that "God" incited David. But if Satan were God's instrument, the distinction between God and this Satan is straightforward and natural.
Who then was this Satan that incited David on God's behalf? We are not told. But 1 Chronicles 21 talks about the work of the angel of the LORD carrying out the punishment upon sinful Israel at God's request and control (vv15-17,27) which is also described as God having struck Israel (vv7,15). Maybe this angel was the Satan of v1. It would accord with a precedent established with Balaam in Numbers 22:22 where an angel is called satan or adversary. "But God's anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as his adversary (satan)". Interestingly, this angel in Numbers 22 had a "drawn sword" (Numbers 22:23,31) just like the angel of the LORD in 1 Chronicles 21:16 who was acting under God's direction (1 Chronicles 21: 12, 15, 16,27, 30). But we cannot be dogmatic.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Bruce
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1. And it came to pass, that after <6256> the year <8141> was expired <8666>, at the time <6256> that kings <4428> go out <3318>(8800) to battle, Joab <3097> led forth <5090>(8799) the power <2428> of the army <6635>, and wasted <7843>(8686) the country <776> of the children <1121> of Ammon <5983>, and came <935>(8799) and besieged <6696>(8799) Rabbah <7237>. But David <1732> tarried <3427>(8802) at Jerusalem <3389>. And Joab <3097> smote <5221>(8686) Rabbah <7237>, and destroyed <2040>(8799) it.
2. And David <1732> took <3947>(8799) the crown <5850> of their king <4428> from off his head <7218>, and found <4672>(8799) it to weigh <4948> a talent <3603> of gold <2091>, and there were precious <3368> stones <68> in it; and it was set upon David's <1732> head <7218>: and he brought <3318>(8689) also exceeding <3966> much <7235>(8687) spoil <7998> out of the city <5892>.
3. And he brought out <3318>(8689) the people <5971> that were in it, and cut <7787>(8799) them with saws <4050>, and with harrows <2757> of iron <1270>, and with axes <4050>. Even so dealt <6213>(8799) David <1732> with all the cities <5892> of the children <1121> of Ammon <5983>. And David <1732> and all the people <5971> returned <7725>(8799) to Jerusalem <3389>.
4. And it came to pass after this <310>, that there arose <5975>(8799) war <4421> at Gezer <1507> with the Philistines <6430>; at which time <227> Sibbechai <5444> the Hushathite <2843> slew <5221>(8689) Sippai <5598>, that was of the children <3211> of the giant <7497>: and they were subdued <3665>(8735).
5. And there was war <4421> again with the Philistines <6430>; and Elhanan <445> the son <1121> of Jair <3265> slew <5221>(8686) Lahmi <3902> the brother <251> of Goliath <1555> the Gittite <1663>, whose spear <2595> staff <6086> was like a weaver's <707>(8802) beam <4500>.
6. And yet again there was war <4421> at Gath <1661>, where was a man <376> of great stature <4060>, whose fingers <676> and toes <676> were four <702> and twenty <6242>, six <8337> on each hand, and six <8337> on each foot: and he also was the son <3205>(8738) of the giant <7497>.
7. But when he defied <2778>(8762) Israel <3478>, Jonathan <3083> the son <1121> of Shimea <8092> David's <1732> brother <251> slew <5221>(8686) him.
8. These <411> were born <3205>(8738) unto the giant <7497> in Gath <1661>; and they fell <5307>(8799) by the hand <3027> of David <1732>, and by the hand <3027> of his servants <5650>.
1. And Satan <7854> stood up <5975>(8799) against Israel <3478>, and provoked <5496>(8686) David <1732> to number <4487>(8800) Israel <3478>.
2. And David <1732> said <559>(8799) to Joab <3097> and to the rulers <8269> of the people <5971>, Go <3212>(8798), number <5608>(8798) Israel <3478> from Beersheba <884> even to Dan <1835>; and bring <935>(8685) the number <4557> of them to me, that I may know <3045>(8799) it.
3. And Joab <3097> answered <559>(8799), The LORD <3068> make his people <5971> an hundred <3967> times <6471> so many more <3254>(8686) as they <1992> be: but, my lord <113> the king <4428>, are they not all my lord's <113> servants <5650>? why then doth my lord <113> require <1245>(8762) this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass <819> to Israel <3478>?
4. Nevertheless the king's <4428> word <1697> prevailed <2388>(8804) against Joab <3097>. Wherefore Joab <3097> departed <3318>(8799), and went <1980>(8691) throughout all Israel <3478>, and came <935>(8799) to Jerusalem <3389>.
5. And Joab <3097> gave <5414>(8799) the sum <4557> of the number <4662> of the people <5971> unto David <1732>. And all they of Israel <3478> were a thousand <505> thousand <505> and an hundred <3967> thousand <505> men <376> that drew <8025>(8802) sword <2719>: and Judah <3063> was four <702> hundred <3967> threescore and ten <7657> thousand <505> men <376> that drew <8025>(8802) sword <2719>.
6. But Levi <3878> and Benjamin <1144> counted <6485>(8804) he not among <8432> them: for the king's <4428> word <1697> was abominable <8581>(8738) to Joab <3097>.
7. And God <430> was displeased <3415>(8799) <5869> with this thing <1697>; therefore he smote <5221>(8686) Israel <3478>.
8. And David <1732> said <559>(8799) unto God <430>, I have sinned <2398>(8804) greatly <3966>, because I have done <6213>(8804) this thing <1697>: but now, I beseech thee, do away <5674>(8685) the iniquity <5771> of thy servant <5650>; for I have done very <3966> foolishly <5528>(8738).
9. And the LORD <3068> spake <1696>(8762) unto Gad <1410>, David's <1732> seer <2374>, saying <559>(8800),
10. Go <3212>(8798) and tell <1696>(8765) David <1732>, saying <559>(8800), Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068>, I offer <5186>(8802) thee three <7969> things: choose <977>(8798) thee one <259> of them <2007>, that I may do <6213>(8799) it unto thee.
11. So Gad <1410> came <935>(8799) to David <1732>, and said <559>(8799) unto him, Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068>, Choose <6901>(8761) thee
12. Either three <7969> years <8141>' famine <7458>; or three <7969> months <2320> to be destroyed <5595>(8737) before <6440> thy foes <6862>, while that the sword <2719> of thine enemies <341>(8802) overtaketh <5381>(8688) thee; or <518> else three <7969> days <3117> the sword <2719> of the LORD <3068>, even the pestilence <1698>, in the land <776>, and the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> destroying <7843>(8688) throughout all the coasts <1366> of Israel <3478>. Now therefore advise <7200>(8798) thyself what word <1697> I shall bring again <7725>(8686) to him that sent <7971>(8802) me.
13. And David <1732> said <559>(8799) unto Gad <1410>, I am in a great <3966> strait <6887>(8804): let me fall <5307>(8799) now into the hand <3027> of the LORD <3068>; for very <3966> great <7227> are his mercies <7356>: but let me not fall <5307>(8799) into the hand <3027> of man <120>.
14. So the LORD <3068> sent <5414>(8799) pestilence <1698> upon Israel <3478>: and there fell <5307>(8799) of Israel <3478> seventy <7657> thousand <505> men <376>.
15. And God <430> sent <7971>(8799) an angel <4397> unto Jerusalem <3389> to destroy <7843>(8687) it: and as he was destroying <7843>(8687), the LORD <3068> beheld <7200>(8804), and he repented <5162>(8735) him of the evil <7451>, and said <559>(8799) to the angel <4397> that destroyed <7843>(8688), It is enough <7227>, stay <7503>(8685) now thine hand <3027>. And the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> stood <5975>(8802) by the threshingfloor <1637> of Ornan <771> the Jebusite <2983>.
16. And David <1732> lifted up <5375>(8799) his eyes <5869>, and saw <7200>(8799) the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> stand <5975>(8802) between the earth <776> and the heaven <8064>, having a drawn <8025>(8803) sword <2719> in his hand <3027> stretched out <5186>(8803) over Jerusalem <3389>. Then David <1732> and the elders <2205> of Israel, who were clothed <3680>(8794) in sackcloth <8242>, fell <5307>(8799) upon their faces <6440>.
17. And David <1732> said <559>(8799) unto God <430>, Is it not I that commanded <559>(8804) the people <5971> to be numbered <4487>(8800)? even I it is that have sinned <2398>(8804) and done evil <7489>(8689) indeed <7489>(8687); but as for these sheep <6629>, what have they done <6213>(8804)? let thine hand <3027>, I pray thee, O LORD <3068> my God <430>, be on me, and on my father's <1> house <1004>; but not on thy people <5971>, that they should be plagued <4046>.
18. Then the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> commanded <559>(8804) Gad <1410> to say <559>(8800) to David <1732>, that David <1732> should go up <5927>(8799), and set up <6965>(8687) an altar <4196> unto the LORD <3068> in the threshingfloor <1637> of Ornan <771> the Jebusite <2983>.
19. And David <1732> went up <5927>(8799) at the saying <1697> of Gad <1410>, which he spake <1696>(8765) in the name <8034> of the LORD <3068>.
20. And Ornan <771> turned back <7725>(8799), and saw <7200>(8799) the angel <4397>; and his four <702> sons <1121> with him hid <2244>(8693) themselves. Now Ornan <771> was threshing <1758>(8804) wheat <2406>.
21. And as David <1732> came <935>(8799) to Ornan <771>, Ornan <771> looked <5027>(8686) and saw <7200>(8799) David <1732>, and went out <3318>(8799) of the threshingfloor <1637>, and bowed <7812>(8691) himself to David <1732> with his face <639> to the ground <776>.
22. Then David <1732> said <559>(8799) to Ornan <771>, Grant <5414>(8798) me the place <4725> of this threshingfloor <1637>, that I may build <1129>(8799) an altar <4196> therein unto the LORD <3068>: thou shalt grant <5414>(8798) it me for the full <4392> price <3701>: that the plague <4046> may be stayed <6113>(8735) from the people <5971>.
23. And Ornan <771> said <559>(8799) unto David <1732>, Take <3947>(8798) it to thee, and let my lord <113> the king <4428> do <6213>(8799) that which is good <2896> in his eyes <5869>: lo <7200>(8798), I give <5414>(8804) thee the oxen <1241> also for burnt offerings <5930>, and the threshing instruments <4173> for wood <6086>, and the wheat <2406> for the meat offering <4503>; I give <5414>(8804) it all.
24. And king <4428> David <1732> said <559>(8799) to Ornan <771>, Nay; but I will verily <7069>(8800) buy <7069>(8799) it for the full <4392> price <3701>: for I will not take <5375>(8799) that which is thine for the LORD <3068>, nor offer <5927>(8687) burnt offerings <5930> without cost <2600>.
25. So David <1732> gave <5414>(8799) to Ornan <771> for the place <4725> six <8337> hundred <3967> shekels <8255> of gold <2091> by weight <4948>.
26. And David <1732> built <1129>(8799) there an altar <4196> unto the LORD <3068>, and offered <5927>(8686) burnt offerings <5930> and peace offerings <8002>, and called <7121>(8799) upon the LORD <3068>; and he answered <6030>(8799) him from heaven <8064> by fire <784> upon the altar <4196> of burnt offering <5930>.
27. And the LORD <3068> commanded <559>(8799) the angel <4397>; and he put up <7725> <0> his sword <2719> again <7725>(8686) into the sheath <5084> thereof.
28. At that time <6256> when David <1732> saw <7200>(8800) that the LORD <3068> had answered <6030>(8804) him in the threshingfloor <1637> of Ornan <771> the Jebusite <2983>, then he sacrificed <2076>(8799) there.
29. For the tabernacle <4908> of the LORD <3068>, which Moses <4872> made <6213>(8804) in the wilderness <4057>, and the altar <4196> of the burnt offering <5930>, were at that season <6256> in the high place <1116> at Gibeon <1391>.
30. But David <1732> could <3201>(8804) not go <3212>(8800) before <6440> it to enquire <1875>(8800) of God <430>: for he was afraid <1204>(8738) because <6440> of the sword <2719> of the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068>.
Notes that are not verse specific
It doesn't seem to matter how often God demonstrates his supremacy over the nation's leaders, their human nature still prevails in all its proud glory and ignores Him to their detriment. Man will never learn this lesson. We can but work to ensure that we ourselves allow God to show us how to be humble. A recognition of His supremacy is what will best lead us to this state of mind.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
Egypt should have learnt her lesson, but failed to do so, from the Assyrian fall. The fall of Assyria was complete, and its empire swallowed up by Babylon. Egypt was to continue after her fall as a base kingdom, never to return to her former greatness.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2004 Reply to John
In today’s chapter God uses the fall of Assyria as an example of what will happen to Egypt. Assyria was a huge and strong empire, but in 606BC its capital Nineveh fell. Then, just as God had said, in 525BC Egypt was conquered by Cambyses the king of Persia.
David Simpson [Worcester (UK)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to David
Assyria of course did fall, and was defeated by the Babylonians. Egypt, even though she fell, the nation did continue as a base nation, never returning to its greatness, that can still be seen today, truly a base nation.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2006 Reply to John
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1. And it came to pass in the eleventh <259> <6240> year <8141>, in the third <7992> month, in the first <259> day of the month <2320>, that the word <1697> of the LORD <3068> came unto me, saying <559>(8800),
2. Son <1121> of man <120>, speak <559>(8798) unto Pharaoh <6547> king <4428> of Egypt <4714>, and to his multitude <1995>; Whom art thou like <1819>(8804) in thy greatness <1433>?
3. Behold, the Assyrian <804> was a cedar <730> in Lebanon <3844> with fair <3303> branches <6057>, and with a shadowing <6751>(8688) shroud <2793>, and of an high <1362> stature <6967>; and his top <6788> was among the thick boughs <5688>.
4. The waters <4325> made him great <1431>(8765), the deep <8415> set him up on high <7311>(8790) with her rivers <5104> running <1980>(8802) round about <5439> his plants <4302>, and sent out <7971>(8765) her little rivers <8585> unto all the trees <6086> of the field <7704>.
5. Therefore his height <6967> was exalted <1361>(8804) above all the trees <6086> of the field <7704>, and his boughs <5634> were multiplied <7235>(8799), and his branches <6288> became long <748>(8799) because of the multitude <7227> of waters <4325>, when he shot forth <7971>(8763).
6. All the fowls <5775> of heaven <8064> made their nests <7077>(8765) in his boughs <5589>, and under his branches <6288> did all the beasts <2416> of the field <7704> bring forth their young <3205>(8804), and under his shadow <6738> dwelt <3427>(8799) all great <7227> nations <1471>.
7. Thus was he fair <3302>(8799) in his greatness <1433>, in the length <753> of his branches <1808>: for his root <8328> was by great <7227> waters <4325>.
8. The cedars <730> in the garden <1588> of God <430> could not hide <6004>(8804) him: the fir trees <1265> were not like <1819>(8804) his boughs <5589>, and the chesnut trees <6196> were not like his branches <6288>; nor any tree <6086> in the garden <1588> of God <430> was like <1819>(8804) unto him in his beauty <3308>.
9. I have made <6213>(8804) him fair <3303> by the multitude <7230> of his branches <1808>: so that all the trees <6086> of Eden <5731>, that were in the garden <1588> of God <430>, envied <7065>(8762) him.
10. Therefore thus saith <559>(8804) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>; Because thou hast lifted up <1361>(8804) thyself in height <6967>, and he hath shot up <5414>(8799) his top <6788> among the thick boughs <5688>, and his heart <3824> is lifted up <7311>(8804) in his height <1363>;
11. I have therefore delivered <5414>(8799) him into the hand <3027> of the mighty one <410> of the heathen <1471>; he shall surely <6213>(8800) deal <6213>(8799) with him: I have driven him out <1644>(8765) for his wickedness <7562>.
12. And strangers <2114>(8801), the terrible <6184> of the nations <1471>, have cut him off <3772>(8799), and have left <5203>(8799) him: upon the mountains <2022> and in all the valleys <1516> his branches <1808> are fallen <5307>(8804), and his boughs <6288> are broken <7665>(8735) by all the rivers <650> of the land <776>; and all the people <5971> of the earth <776> are gone down <3381>(8799) from his shadow <6738>, and have left <5203>(8799) him.
13. Upon his ruin <4658> shall all the fowls <5775> of the heaven <8064> remain <7931>(8799), and all the beasts <2416> of the field <7704> shall be upon his branches <6288>:
14. To the end that none of all the trees <6086> by the waters <4325> exalt <1361>(8799) themselves for their height <6967>, neither shoot up <5414>(8799) their top <6788> among the thick boughs <5688>, neither their trees <352> stand up <5975>(8799) in their height <1363>, all that drink <8354>(8802) water <4325>: for they are all delivered <5414>(8738) unto death <4194>, to the nether parts <8482> of the earth <776>, in the midst <8432> of the children <1121> of men <120>, with them that go down <3381>(8802) to the pit <953>.
15. Thus saith <559>(8804) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>; In the day <3117> when he went down <3381>(8800) to the grave <7585> I caused a mourning <56>(8689): I covered <3680>(8765) the deep <8415> for him, and I restrained <4513>(8799) the floods <5104> thereof, and the great <7227> waters <4325> were stayed <3607>(8735): and I caused Lebanon <3844> to mourn <6937>(8686) for him, and all the trees <6086> of the field <7704> fainted <5969> for him.
16. I made the nations <1471> to shake <7493>(8689) at the sound <6963> of his fall <4658>, when I cast him down <3381>(8687) to hell <7585> with them that descend <3381>(8802) into the pit <953>: and all the trees <6086> of Eden <5731>, the choice <4005> and best <2896> of Lebanon <3844>, all that drink <8354>(8802) water <4325>, shall be comforted <5162>(8735) in the nether parts <8482> of the earth <776>.
17. They also went down <3381>(8804) into hell <7585> with him unto them that be slain <2491> with the sword <2719>; and they that were his arm <2220>, that dwelt <3427>(8804) under his shadow <6738> in the midst <8432> of the heathen <1471>.
18. To whom art thou thus like <1819>(8804) in glory <3519> and in greatness <1433> among the trees <6086> of Eden <5731>? yet shalt thou be brought down <3381>(8717) with the trees <6086> of Eden <5731> unto the nether parts <8482> of the earth <776>: thou shalt lie <7901>(8799) in the midst <8432> of the uncircumcised <6189> with them that be slain <2491> by the sword <2719>. This is Pharaoh <6547> and all his multitude <1995>, saith <5002>(8803) the Lord <136> GOD <3069>.
Notes that are not verse specific
FOREIGNERS
At the place where I work a number of foreigners have been employed. Most of them are immigrants and one is a refugee. None of them are citizens of our country. As well as being from a different country to where I live, foreigners have other tell-tale signs that set them apart from everyone else and make them different. Their physical appearance is often different - their skin colour, shape of their nose, colour of their eyes or hair, and their height, these all can set them apart as different. And more often than not, their accent or lack of ability to speak English makes a marked distinction between a foreigner and the locals.
Some immigrants have chosen to become residents and citizens of our country, but the marks of being a foreigner take time to wear off. It must be hard for those people, who come to a new country, to find acceptance and feel at home in the new place in which they live.
In a similar way, we have come from our home in the world to be part of God's kingdom. But God doesn't leave us as strangers when we come to him. We read, "Consequently you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household." God has allowed us, whoever we are, to fit right in and be at home. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Robert
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
Today we start a new letter - In this letter, Paul explains the wonderful things that we have received through Christ. (even though he himself was now in a prison in Rome)
Ephesus was a most prominent city in it's time and was established in AD53. The letter to the Ephesians is a letter of encouragement, to help us stay strong "in Christ" while we live in a world bent on evil. The key word in this letter is "in Christ", which occurs 10 times. In this letter Paul describes the nature and appearance of the ecclesia, and challenges believers to function as the living body of Christ on earth. As we read this masterful description of the ecclesia, let us thank God for the diversity and unity in His family, and let us pray for our brethren & sisters across the world, and draw close to those in our ecclesia.
"Two men looked out from prison bars ... one saw the mud, the other saw stars"
Peter Dulis [toronto west] Comment added in 2006 Reply to Peter
Paul makes mention of a letter written to the ecclesia at Laodicea (Col 4:16). Is there a possibility that this letter which has been preserved for us to be guided and directed from, is the letter that the apostle is referring to? We see many similarities between the letter written to the Colossians and this letter that we will be reading from in the next few days.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to John
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1. Paul <3972>, an apostle <652> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> by <1223> the will <2307> of God <2316>, to the saints <40> which are <5607>(5752) at <1722> Ephesus <2181>, and <2532> to the faithful <4103> in <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>:
2. Grace <5485> be to you <5213>, and <2532> peace <1515>, from <575> God <2316> our <2257> Father <3962>, and <2532> from the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>.
3. Blessed <2128> be the God <2316> and <2532> Father <3962> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, who <3588> hath blessed <2127>(5660) us <2248> with <1722> all <3956> spiritual <4152> blessings <2129> in <1722> heavenly <2032> places in <1722> Christ <5547>:
4. According as <2531> he hath chosen <1586>(5668) us <2248> in <1722> him <846> before <4253> the foundation <2602> of the world <2889>, that we <2248> should be <1511>(5750) holy <40> and <2532> without blame <299> before <2714> him <846> in <1722> love <26>:
5. Having predestinated <4309>(5660) us <2248> unto <1519> the adoption of children <5206> by <1223> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> to <1519> himself <848>, according <2596> to the good pleasure <2107> of his <848> will <2307>,
6. To <1519> the praise <1868> of the glory <1391> of his <848> grace <5485>, wherein <1722> <3739> he hath made <5487> <0> us <2248> accepted <5487>(5656) in <1722> the beloved <25>(5772).
7. In <1722> whom <3739> we have <2192>(5719) redemption <629> through <1223> his <846> blood <129>, the forgiveness <859> of sins <3900>, according <2596> to the riches <4149> of his <846> grace <5485>;
8. Wherein <3739> he hath abounded <4052>(5656) toward <1519> us <2248> in <1722> all <3956> wisdom <4678> and <2532> prudence <5428>;
9. Having made known <1107>(5660) unto us <2254> the mystery <3466> of his <848> will <2307>, according to <2596> his <848> good pleasure <2107> which <3739> he hath purposed <4388>(5639) in <1722> himself <848>:
10. That in <1519> the dispensation <3622> of the fulness <4138> of times <2540> he might gather together in one <346>(5664) all things <3956> in <1722> Christ <5547>, both <5037> which <3588> are in <1722> heaven <3772>, and <2532> which <3588> are on <1909> earth <1093>; even in <1722> him <846>:
11. In <1722> whom <3739> also <2532> we have obtained an inheritance <2820>(5681), being predestinated <4309>(5685) according to <2596> the purpose <4286> of him who worketh <1754>(5723) all things <3956> after <2596> the counsel <1012> of his own <848> will <2307>:
12. That <1519> we <2248> should be <1511>(5750) to <1519> the praise <1868> of his <846> glory <1391>, who <3588> first trusted <4276>(5761) in <1722> Christ <5547>.
13. In <1722> whom <3739> ye <5210> also <2532> trusted, after that ye heard <191>(5660) the word <3056> of truth <225>, the gospel <2098> of your <5216> salvation <4991>: in <1722> whom <3739> also <2532> after that ye believed <4100>(5660), ye were sealed with <4972>(5681) that holy <40> Spirit <4151> of promise <1860>,
14. Which <3739> is <2076>(5748) the earnest <728> of our <2257> inheritance <2817> until <1519> the redemption <629> of the purchased possession <4047>, unto <1519> the praise <1868> of his <846> glory <1391>.
15. Wherefore <1223> <5124> I also <2504>, after I heard <191>(5660) of <2596> your <5209> faith <4102> in <1722> the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424>, and <2532> love <26> unto <1519> all <3956> the saints <40>,
16. Cease <3973>(5731) not <3756> to give thanks <2168>(5723) for <5228> you <5216>, making <4160>(5734) mention <3417> of you <5216> in <1909> my <3450> prayers <4335>;
17. That <2443> the God <2316> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, the Father <3962> of glory <1391>, may give <1325>(5632)(5630) unto you <5213> the spirit <4151> of wisdom <4678> and <2532> revelation <602> in <1722> the knowledge <1922> of him <848>:
18. The eyes <3788> of your <5216> understanding <1271> being enlightened <5461>(5772); that <1519> ye <5209> may know <1492>(5760) what <5101> is <2076>(5748) the hope <1680> of his <846> calling <2821>, and <2532> what <5101> the riches <4149> of the glory <1391> of his <846> inheritance <2817> in <1722> the saints <40>,
19. And <2532> what <5101> is the exceeding <5235>(5723) greatness <3174> of his <846> power <1411> to <1519> us-ward <2248> who <3588> believe <4100>(5723), according to <2596> the working <1753> of his <846> mighty <2479> power <2904>,
20. Which <3739> he wrought <1754>(5656) in <1722> Christ <5547>, when he raised <1453>(5660) him <846> from <1537> the dead <3498>, and <2532> set <2523>(5656) him at <1722> his own <848> right hand <1188> in <1722> the heavenly <2032> places,
21. Far above <5231> all <3956> principality <746>, and <2532> power <1849>, and <2532> might <1411>, and <2532> dominion <2963>, and <2532> every <3956> name <3686> that is named <3687>(5746), not <3756> only <3440> in <1722> this <5129> world <165>, but <235> also <2532> in <1722> that which is to come <3195>(5723):
22. And <2532> hath put <5293>(5656) all <3956> things under <5259> his <846> feet <4228>, and <2532> gave <1325>(5656) him <846> to be the head <2776> over <5228> all <3956> things to the church <1577>,
23. Which <3748> is <2076>(5748) his <846> body <4983>, the fulness <4138> of him that filleth <4137>(5734) all <3956> in <1722> all <3956>.
1. And <2532> you <5209> hath he quickened, who were <5607>(5752) dead <3498> in trespasses <3900> and <2532> sins <266>;
2. Wherein <1722> <3739> in time past <4218> ye walked <4043>(5656) according to <2596> the course <165> of this <5127> world <2889>, according to <2596> the prince <758> of the power <1849> of the air <109>, the spirit <4151> that now <3568> worketh <1754>(5723) in <1722> the children <5207> of disobedience <543>:
3. Among <1722> whom <3739> also <2532> we <2249> all <3956> had our conversation <390>(5648) in times past <4218> in <1722> the lusts <1939> of our <2257> flesh <4561>, fulfilling <4160>(5723) the desires <2307> of the flesh <4561> and <2532> of the mind <1271>; and <2532> were <2258>(5713) by nature <5449> the children <5043> of wrath <3709>, even <2532> as <5613> others <3062>.
4. But <1161> God <2316>, who is <5607>(5752) rich <4145> in <1722> mercy <1656>, for <1223> his <848> great <4183> love <26> wherewith <3739> he loved <25>(5656) us <2248>,
5. Even <2532> when we <2248> were <5607>(5752) dead <3498> in sins <3900>, hath quickened us together with <4806>(5656) Christ <5547>, (by grace <5485> ye are <2075>(5748) saved <4982>(5772);)
6. And <2532> hath raised us up together <4891>(5656), and <2532> made us sit together <4776>(5656) in <1722> heavenly <2032> places in <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>:
7. That <2443> in <1722> the ages <165> to come <1904>(5740) he might shew <1731>(5672) the exceeding <5235>(5723) riches <4149> of his <848> grace <5485> in <1722> his kindness <5544> toward <1909> us <2248> through <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>.
8. For <1063> by grace <5485> are ye <2075>(5748) saved <4982>(5772) through <1223> faith <4102>; and <2532> that <5124> not <3756> of <1537> yourselves <5216>: it is the gift <1435> of God <2316>:
9. Not <3756> of <1537> works <2041>, lest <3363> any man <5100> should boast <2744>(5667).
10. For <1063> we are <2070>(5748) his workmanship <4161>, created <2936>(5685) in <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> unto <1909> good <18> works <2041>, which <3739> God <2316> hath before ordained <4282>(5656) that <2443> we should walk <4043>(5661) in <1722> them <846>.
11. Wherefore <1352> remember <3421>(5720), that <3754> ye <5210> being in time past <4218> Gentiles <1484> in <1722> the flesh <4561>, who <3588> are called <3004>(5746) Uncircumcision <203> by <5259> that which <3588> is called <3004>(5746) the Circumcision <4061> in <1722> the flesh <4561> made by hands <5499>;
12. That <3754> at <1722> that <1565> time <2540> ye were <2258>(5713) without <5565> Christ <5547>, being aliens <526>(5772) from the commonwealth <4174> of Israel <2474>, and <2532> strangers <3581> from the covenants <1242> of promise <1860>, having <2192>(5723) no <3361> hope <1680>, and <2532> without God <112> in <1722> the world <2889>:
13. But <1161> now <3570> in <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> ye <5210> who <3588> sometimes <4218> were <5607>(5752) far off <3112> are made <1096>(5675) nigh <1451> by <1722> the blood <129> of Christ <5547>.
14. For <1063> he is <2076>(5748) our <2257> peace <1515>, who <3588> hath made <4160>(5660) both <297> one <1520>, and <2532> hath broken down <3089>(5660) the middle wall <3320> of partition <5418> between us;
15. Having abolished <2673>(5660) in <1722> his <848> flesh <4561> the enmity <2189>, even the law <3551> of commandments <1785> contained in <1722> ordinances <1378>; for to <2443> make <2936>(5661) in <1722> himself <1438> of twain <1417> one <1519> <1520> new <2537> man <444>, so making <4160>(5723) peace <1515>;
16. And <2532> that he might reconcile <604>(5661) both <297> unto God <2316> in <1722> one <1520> body <4983> by <1223> the cross <4716>, having slain <615>(5660) the enmity <2189> thereby <1722> <846>:
17. And <2532> came <2064>(5631) and preached <2097>(5668) peace <1515> to you <5213> which <3588> were afar off <3112>, and <2532> to them that were nigh <1451>.
18. For <3754> through <1223> him we <2192> <0> both <297> have <2192>(5719) access <4318> by <1722> one <1520> Spirit <4151> unto <4314> the Father <3962>.
19. Now <3767> therefore <686> ye are <2075>(5748) no more <3765> strangers <3581> and <2532> foreigners <3941>, but <235> fellowcitizens <4847> with the saints <40>, and <2532> of the household <3609> of God <2316>;
20. And are built <2026>(5685) upon <1909> the foundation <2310> of the apostles <652> and <2532> prophets <4396>, Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> himself <846> being <5607>(5752) the chief corner <204> stone;
21. In <1722> whom <3739> all <3956> the building <3619> fitly framed together <4883>(5746) groweth <837>(5719) unto <1519> an holy <40> temple <3485> in <1722> the Lord <2962>:
22. In <1722> whom <3739> ye <5210> also <2532> are builded together <4925>(5743) for <1519> an habitation <2732> of God <2316> through <1722> the Spirit <4151>.
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