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Notes that are not verse specific
4:1-5 Notice the way that Nehemiah responded to the ridicule. He did not respond in kind but rather took the matter to God in prayer. In this he was like many earlier men of God who did not take vengeance or seek redress themselves.
Herein is a lesson for us when we feel that we are being opposed in the work of the truth.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
DEALING WITH OPPOSITION
So many of God's people have faced opposition. Nehemiah and the Jews in Jerusalem who were busy building the wall were no exception. Building the wall was no easy task. It was heavy work and the builders were amateurs whose only qualification to build the wall was their zeal for the city. Not only that, but their building materials were limited - there was more rubbish than stones. Because the work was so hard, the insults and threats received from the enemies of the Jews must have felt even more cutting. It must have been so tempting to give up or fight back. But no, they approached their troubles in a completely different way.
Firstly Nehemiah prayed that the insults poured on them by their enemies would be turned back on their own heads. Then, when the threats got more serious, we read, "But we prayed to our God." After they had prayed they did what they could do to deter the threats.
If only we would do the same more often ourselves. There is no better help we could get than the help of God. There is no stronger defence than God's protection and there is nothing better to put our trust in than our powerful and living God. So when we face times of opposition or trial, let's do the best thing first. Let us pray.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
The example of Sanballat and Tobiah, and the problem of mixed marriages, should give us food for thought.
What was true of natural Israel is also true of spiritual Israel. Ecclesias cannot sanction marriages between believers and unbelievers (2Cor 6:14).
Even if the unbelieving partner promises to learn the Truth, the marriage cannot go ahead.
Care of Yahweh's business must be taken first. Any laxity in this matter must be firmly opposed, as scripture is very clear on this matter.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Michael
WHAT ARE THESE FEEBLE JEWS DOING . . is the cry of SANBALLAT the HORONITE [A native of horonaim, or of one of the two Beth-horons, the "upper" or the "nether" . . a SAMARITAN LEADER and official of the Achaemenid Empire of Greater Iran, who lived in the mid to late 5th Century BC and was a contemporary of Nehemiah.]
which cry echoe's down the corrodor of time right to the condemnation of CAIN when his sacrifice was found unacceptable to the Elohim, it is the cry of one REJECTED by the CREATOR, one who is UN-REPENTANT, the result of which is REBELLION. NIMROD whose name means [TO REBEL] are a type of this interogation by those OUTSIDE the household of FAITH. TODAY in IRAN and the world at large, we hear the same cry, and it ramains as ignorance and fear feed the flames of discontent, envy and hatred, and justifying their wicked designs to overthrow the RIGHTEOUS. Having thus established the pattern we examine the skeleton at large four questions are asked:
1. Will they fortify themselves?
answer: YES, throught the power of GOD, and the PROMISES MADE to AbrAHAM, and the PROPHETS . . Amos 9:11, [Roth]
In that day will I raise up the pavilion [His High habitation] of DAVID, that is LYING PROSTRATE, and WALL UP the brEACHES of them, and HIS RUINS will I RAISE UP, and I WILL BUILD IT as in the days of AGE PAST TIMES.
2. Will they sacrifice?
answer: YES, THEY were successful in COMPLETING THE WORK, but that it was by FAITH that the work was finished, but it did not continue and as in the time of Solomon was lost, UNTIL the STONE of DANIEL which was CUT OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN shall brEAK in Pieces and CONSUME --- These False religions ie; the REBELLIOUS and NIMROODIAN.
3. Will they make an end in a DAY?
Nehemiah 4:8 And they conspired, ALL OF THEM together, to fight aainst JERUSALEM, - - and to cause it harm:
9, Howbeit we PRAYED unto our GOD, --set a watch against them DAY and NIGHT, because of them.
Joel 3:14: [Rotherham] MULTITUDES - MULTITUDES, in the vale of strict decision, for NEAR is THE DAY of ~YAHWEH~ in the Vale of STRICT DECISION.
Zechariah 4:10, [Rotherham] FOR who hath despised THE DAY of small things: YET shall they REJOICE when they see the plummet - STONE in the hand of ZERUBBABEL, [these seven] ! The Eyes of ~YAHWEH~ They are -- RUNNING TO and FRO throughout ALL THE EARTH.
13. And He spake unto me saying: "Knowest thou not what these are:
And I said, "NO my Lord.
[These are the TWO annointed ones who stand near the LORD of ALL THE EARTH.
4. Will they bring to life the STONES bring to life the stones out of the heaps of dust, when [they] have been burned up?
answer: YES! EZEKIEL 37:5-6 [Rotherham] "Thus saith my Adonai [Lord] ~YAHWEH~ unto these BONES, - - LO I am about to bring unto you--- SPIRIT - - and YE SHALL LIVE:
Yea I will lay upon you - - - SINEWS,
And Bring up over you -- FLESH,
And Cover over you -- SKIN,
And Put in you -- SPIRIT,
AND ye shall -- LIVE. THEN SHALL YE KNOW that I am ~YAHWEH~
4.
Curtis Brittle [Cranston USA] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Curtis
WHAT ARE THESE FEEBLE JEWS DOING . .
Is the cry of SANBALLAT the HORONITE [A native of horonaim, or of one of the two Beth-horons, beth meaning well as in a well of water, the "upper" or the "nether" . . a SAMARITAN LEADER and official of the Achaemenid Empire of Greater Iran, who lived in the mid to late 5th Century BC and was a contemporary of Nehemiah.]
Which cry echo's down the corrodor of time right to the condemnation of CAIN when his sacrifice was found unacceptable to the Elohim, it is the cry of one REJECTED by the CREATOR, one who is UN-REPENTANT, the result of which is REBELLION. NIMROD whose name means [TO REBEL] are a type of this interrogation by those OUTSIDE the household of FAITH. TODAY in IRAN and the world at large, we hear the same cry, and it ramains as ignorance and fear feed the flames of discontent, envy and hatred, and justifying their wicked designs to overthrow the RIGHTEOUS. [please read Psalm 1]
Having thus established the pattern we examine the skeleton at large, FOUR questions are asked:
1. Will they fortify themselves?
answer: YES, throught the power of GOD, and the PROMISES MADE to AbrAHAM, and the PROPHETS . .
Amos 9:11, [Rotherham]
In that day will I raise up the pavilion [His High habitation] of DAVID, that is LYING PROSTRATE, and WALL UP the brEACHES of them, and HIS RUINS will I RAISE UP, and I WILL BUILD IT as in the days of AGE PAST TIMES.
2. Will they sacrifice?
answer: YES, THEY were successful in COMPLETING THE WORK, but that it was by FAITH that the work was finished, but it did not continue and as in the time of Solomon was lost, UNTIL the STONE of DANIEL which was CUT OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN shall brEAK in Pieces and CONSUME --- These False religions ie; the REBELLIOUS and NIMROODIAN.
3. Will they make an end in a DAY?
Nehemiah 4:8 And they conspired, ALL OF THEM together, to fight against JERUSALEM, - - and to cause it harm:
9, Howbeit we PRAYED unto our GOD, --set a watch against them DAY and NIGHT, because of them.
Joel 3:14: [Rotherham] MULTITUDES - MULTITUDES, in the vale of strict decision,
for NEAR is THE DAY of ~ YAHWEH~ in the Vale of STRICT DECISION.
Zechariah 4:10, [Rotherham] FOR who hath despised THE DAY of small things:
YET shall they REJOICE when they see the plummet - STONE
in the hand of ZERUBBABEL, [these seven] ! The Eyes of ~YAHWEH~ They are -- RUNNING TO and FRO
throughout ALL THE EARTH.
13. And He spake unto me saying: "Knowest thou not what these are:
And I said, "NO my Lord."
THEN said He,
"THESE are the TWO ANNOINTED ONES, --Who stand near the Lord [Adon or POWER] of ALL THE EARTH."
4. Will they bring to life THE STONES bring to life the STONES out of the heaps of dust, when [they] have been BURNED up?
answer: YES! EZEKIEL 37:5-6 [Rotherham] "Thus saith my Adonai [Lord] ~YAHWEH~ unto these BONES, - -
LO I am about to bring unto you--- SPIRIT - - and YE SHALL LIVE:
Yea I will lay upon you - - - SINEWS,
And Bring up over you -- FLESH,
And Cover over you -- SKIN,
And Put in you -- SPIRIT,
AND ye shall -- LIVE. THEN SHALL YE KNOW that I am ~YAHWEH~
In all four expressions or interrogatives we see the pattern of the language and it is one which has been like the voice of the THREE FROG LIKE SPIRITS, and the VOICE of REBELLION and IGNORANCE. BUT THANKS BE TO our GOD and our Lord Jesus Christ who hath opened the Scriptures in these latter days that we might receive the encouragement of the TRUTH, for the HOPE OF ISRAEL, are we not all together in ONE - - ~YAHWEH~ Elohim Yisraail . . . chb
Curtis Brittle [Cranston USA] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Curtis
VISION PLUS STRENGTH
It must have seemed like a job that was just going to waste everyone's energy, fail and burn. As the Jews started rebuilding the wall, their motivating factor was the vision of one man, Nehemiah. Other than that, all they could see was rubble, a task much to big to be achieved, and far too many problems to make it viable.
The biggest problems were not so much the lack of resources and the size of the job that needed to be done, it was the negative opposition from people. Their enemies began a propaganda campaign spreading doubt, weakness and lowering morale. In today's world it would have been the equivalent of press releases, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
It's one thing coping with enemies, but there was other opposition from within as well. People complained and lost the vision of what they could achieve with God's help.
In the end, God was with them and they achieved their goal.
So many things never get done because the task seems too big, too expensive, too hard, or there is too much opposition. Those were all reasons not to start building the wall. But God was with them. If God is with us, let's not let negativity or opposition slow us down, but press on, knowing that with God, the vision can be accomplished.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2021 Reply to Robert
4:6 for the people had a mind to work
Servants say "May I"; other people say "Must I"
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
4:21 So we laboured at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out
God could have destroyed Israel's enemies or let Nehemiah know that they would not attack – God didn’t.
Accept that nothing of value comes easy – God may not lift your burden, but he may strengthen your back instead.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
4:1,2 [Sanballat] jeered at the Jews. And he said ...'What are these feeble Jews doing'
Don’t be crushed by people who say the project is doomed, or who decry your work –ignore them, pray for the project, and get on with it.
• Compare David's response to Michal when he brought the ark to Jerusalem – David gave a curt response with no elaboration 2 Samuel 6:21,22 “I danced before Yahweh, who chose me before your father”
• Be aware of those people within the ecclesia who are affected by the negative outside taunts: There were taunts by those Jews who were influenced by Sanballat's propaganda: “The strength of those who bear the burdens [the labourers, not the artisans] is failing. There is too much rubble. By yourselves you will not be able rebuild the wall” (4:10)
• The Jews outside of Jerusalem requested ten times for labourers to return to villages (4:12) – they were affected by the propaganda of Sanballat et al. and feared that Sanballat might attack their sons who were rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. Furthermore their sons were needed to harvest the crops.
• Stay focussed and ignore insults and negativity – Nehemiah prayed to God and did not allow himself to be drawn into responding to the taunts of his enemies. (4:3,4,9)
• Prepare and pray – and acknowledge that success is directly a result of God’s blessing (“Our God will fight for us” 4:20)
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
4:15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work.
Trusting in God nevertheless requires us to take precautions – God expects us to act as though it depends on us, knowing that it all depends on God (Nehemiah 4:16-17)
For example, in answer to Nehemiah's prayers, God could have miraculously destroyed Israel’s enemies – instead God let them devise elaborate protection mechanisms
• Half the people became soldiers
• Labourers were carrying their load with one hand and their weapon with another
• Artisans used both hands but had a sword strapped to their side
• Leaders were behind coordinating and watching
• Trumpeter were ready to blow a trumpet at the spot where the wall was being attacked so that everyone could rush to that spot
• Nehemiah positioned himself next to the trumpeter
• Nehemiah prepared a visible exhibition of strength to the enemy at the lowest part of the construction so that the enemy would realise that the workers were defended and willing to fight
• All workers were to remain in Jerusalem at night as an extra security measure – they were not to return to their villages outside Jerusalem. (4:22)
• Army had 24/7 watch for enemy (4:22)
• People slept in their clothes so that if there was an enemy attack at night, they were ready to fight (4:23). They only undressed to wash.
• The enemy never attacked – they could see that Israel was well prepared.
Prayer is our best and first response (Nehemiah 4:4) – but it is NOT our only response. We pray and ACT rather than pray and do nothing: “pray and set a guard” (Nehemiah 4:9). For example, we pray that a thief doesn’t enter our home – but we put deadlocks on each window, just in case.
“The God of heaven will make us prosper THEREFORE we His servants will arise and build” (Nehemiah 2:20). Faith spurs us into action; it is not a substitute for action.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
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1. But it came to pass, that when Sanballat <5571> heard <8085>(8804) that we builded <1129>(8802) the wall <2346>, he was wroth <2734>(8799), and took great <7235>(8687) indignation <3707>(8799), and mocked <3932>(8686) the Jews <3064>.
2. And he spake <559>(8799) before <6440> his brethren <251> and the army <2428> of Samaria <8111>, and said <559>(8799), What do <6213>(8802) these feeble <537> Jews <3064>? will they fortify <5800>(8799) themselves? will they sacrifice <2076>(8799)? will they make an end <3615>(8762) in a day <3117>? will they revive <2421>(8762) the stones <68> out of the heaps <6194> of the rubbish <6083> which are burned <8313>(8803)?
3. Now Tobiah <2900> the Ammonite <5984> was by him <681>, and he said <559>(8799), Even that which they build <1129>(8802), if a fox <7776> go up <5927>(8799), he shall even break down <6555>(8804) their stone <68> wall <2346>.
4. Hear <8085>(8798), O our God <430>; for we are despised <939>: and turn <7725>(8685) their reproach <2781> upon their own head <7218>, and give <5414>(8798) them for a prey <961> in the land <776> of captivity <7633>:
5. And cover <3680>(8762) not their iniquity <5771>, and let not their sin <2403> be blotted out <4229>(8735) from before <6440> thee: for they have provoked thee to anger <3707>(8689) before the builders <1129>(8802).
6. So built <1129>(8799) we the wall <2346>; and all the wall <2346> was joined together <7194>(8735) unto the half <2677> thereof: for the people <5971> had a mind <3820> to work <6213>(8800).
7. But it came to pass, that when Sanballat <5571>, and Tobiah <2900>, and the Arabians <6163>, and the Ammonites <5984>, and the Ashdodites <796>, heard <8085>(8804) that the walls <2346> of Jerusalem <3389> were made up <724> <5927>(8804), and that the breaches <6555>(8803) began <2490>(8689) to be stopped <5640>(8736), then they were very <3966> wroth <2734>(8799),
8. And conspired <7194>(8799) all of them together <3162> to come <935>(8800) and to fight <3898>(8736) against Jerusalem <3389>, and to hinder <6213>(8800) <8442> it.
9. Nevertheless we made our prayer <6419>(8691) unto our God <430>, and set <5975>(8686) a watch <4929> against them day <3119> and night <3915>, because <6440> of them.
10. And Judah <3063> said <559>(8799), The strength <3581> of the bearers of burdens <5449> is decayed <3782>(8804), and there is much <7235>(8687) rubbish <6083>; so that we are not able <3201>(8799) to build <1129>(8800) the wall <2346>.
11. And our adversaries <6862> said <559>(8799), They shall not know <3045>(8799), neither see <7200>(8799), till we come <935>(8799) in the midst <8432> among <8432> them, and slay <2026>(8804) them, and cause the work <4399> to cease <7673>(8689).
12. And it came to pass, that when the Jews <3064> which dwelt <3427>(8802) by them <681> came <935>(8804), they said <559>(8799) unto us ten <6235> times <6471>, From all places <4725> whence ye shall return <7725>(8799) unto us they will be upon you.
13. Therefore set <5975>(8686) I in the lower <8482> places <4725> behind <310> the wall <2346>, and on the higher places <6706>(8675) <6708>, I even set <5975>(8686) the people <5971> after their families <4940> with their swords <2719>, their spears <7420>, and their bows <7198>.
14. And I looked <7200>(8799), and rose up <6965>(8799), and said <559>(8799) unto the nobles <2715>, and to the rulers <5461>, and to the rest <3499> of the people <5971>, Be not ye afraid <3372>(8799) of them <6440>: remember <2142>(8798) the Lord <136>, which is great <1419> and terrible <3372>(8737), and fight <3898>(8734) for your brethren <251>, your sons <1121>, and your daughters <1323>, your wives <802>, and your houses <1004>.
15. And it came to pass, when our enemies <341>(8802) heard <8085>(8804) that it was known <3045>(8738) unto us, and God <430> had brought <6565> <0> their counsel <6098> to nought <6565>(8686), that we returned <7725>(8799) all of us to the wall <2346>, every one <376> unto his work <4399>.
16. And it came to pass from that time <3117> forth, that the half <2677> of my servants <5288> wrought <6213>(8802) in the work <4399>, and the other half <2677> of them held <2388>(8688) both the spears <7420>, the shields <4043>, and the bows <7198>, and the habergeons <8302>; and the rulers <8269> were behind <310> all the house <1004> of Judah <3063>.
17. They which builded <1129>(8802) on the wall <2346>, and they that bare <5375>(8802) burdens <5447>, with those that laded <6006>(8802), every one with one <259> of his hands <3027> wrought <6213>(8802) in the work <4399>, and with the other <259> hand held <2388>(8688) a weapon <7973>.
18. For the builders <1129>(8802), every one <376> had his sword <2719> girded <631>(8803) by his side <4975>, and so builded <1129>(8802). And he that sounded <8628>(8802) the trumpet <7782> was by me <681>.
19. And I said <559>(8799) unto the nobles <2715>, and to the rulers <5461>, and to the rest <3499> of the people <5971>, The work <4399> is great <7235>(8687) and large <7342>, and we are separated <6504>(8737) upon the wall <2346>, one <376> far from <7350> another <251>.
20. In what place <4725> therefore ye hear <8085>(8799) the sound <6963> of the trumpet <7782>, resort <6908>(8735) ye thither unto us: our God <430> shall fight <3898>(8735) for us.
21. So we laboured <6213>(8802) in the work <4399>: and half <2677> of them held <2388>(8688) the spears <7420> from the rising <5927>(8800) of the morning <7837> till the stars <3556> appeared <3318>(8800).
22. Likewise at the same time <6256> said <559>(8804) I unto the people <5971>, Let every one <376> with his servant <5288> lodge <3885>(8799) within <8432> Jerusalem <3389>, that in the night <3915> they may be a guard <4929> to us, and labour <4399> on the day <3117>.
23. So neither I, nor my brethren <251>, nor my servants <5288>, nor the men <582> of the guard <4929> which followed <310> me, none of us <587> put off <6584>(8802) our clothes <899>, saving that every one <376> put them off <7973> for washing <4325>.
Notes that are not verse specific
14:1, 7 The recurring theme of Israel being called to and actually returning to God is seen in Hosea. (3:5 6:1 14:1, 7). Despite their rebelliousness and sinfulness God is seeking the repentance of His children and will be gracious as soon as repentance is shown 'from the heart'
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
GOD'S FORGIVENESS
How much sin is too much to be forgiven? What do we need to do to be forgiven? What will it cost us if we want to return to God? Are my sins too bad to be forgiven? Will God be able to forgive me?
The whole book of Hosea, and in particular the last chapter, give us a lot of hope when it comes to forgiveness from God. The sins of Israel were worse than most of us could manage in a lifetime, yet God's consistent call through the book of Hosea is that if Israel returned to him, he would forgive them. The sins they had committed were all in the worst categories: rebellion, prostitution; adultery, murder, idol worship, greed, laziness ... and the list could go on. Not only had they done them all, they had filled their lives perfecting their sinfulness.
Even though their sins were so bad and so many, God wanted to forgive them. All they had to do was to return to God, ask for forgiveness and repent of what they had already done. There was no payment for their sins required, there was no retribution, just an eagerness on God's part to forgive them and start again.
It's no different for us. If God could forgive Israel and do it willingly, he will do it for us too. So let's not worry that our sins are too big, too many or too costly to forgive, but return to God, asking for forgiveness, then repent, changing our way of life.
God wants to forgive. Let's give him the chance.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2009 Reply to Robert
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1. O Israel <3478>, return <7725>(8798) unto the LORD <3068> thy God <430>; for thou hast fallen <3782>(8804) by thine iniquity <5771>.
2. Take <3947>(8798) with you words <1697>, and turn <7725>(8798) to the LORD <3068>: say <559>(8798) unto him, Take away <5375>(8799) all iniquity <5771>, and receive <3947>(8798) us graciously <2896>: so will we render <7999>(8762) the calves <6499> of our lips <8193>.
3. Asshur <804> shall not save <3467>(8686) us; we will not ride <7392>(8799) upon horses <5483>: neither will we say <559>(8799) any more to the work <4639> of our hands <3027>, Ye are our gods <430>: for in thee the fatherless <3490> findeth mercy <7355>(8792).
4. I will heal <7495>(8799) their backsliding <4878>, I will love <157>(8799) them freely <5071>: for mine anger <639> is turned away <7725>(8804) from him.
5. I will be as the dew <2919> unto Israel <3478>: he shall grow <6524>(8799) as the lily <7799>, and cast forth <5221>(8686) his roots <8328> as Lebanon <3844>.
6. His branches <3127> shall spread <3212>(8799), and his beauty <1935> shall be as the olive tree <2132>, and his smell <7381> as Lebanon <3844>.
7. They that dwell <3427>(8802) under his shadow <6738> shall return <7725>(8799); they shall revive <2421>(8762) as the corn <1715>, and grow <6524>(8799) as the vine <1612>: the scent <2143> thereof shall be as the wine <3196> of Lebanon <3844>.
8. Ephraim <669> shall say, What have I to do any more with idols <6091>? I have heard <6030>(8804) him, and observed <7789>(8799) him: I am like a green <7488> fir tree <1265>. From me is thy fruit <6529> found <4672>(8738).
9. Who is wise <2450>, and he shall understand <995>(8799) these things? prudent <995>(8737), and he shall know <3045>(8799) them? for the ways <1870> of the LORD <3068> are right <3477>, and the just <6662> shall walk <3212>(8799) in them: but the transgressors <6586>(8802) shall fall <3782>(8735) therein.
Notes that are not verse specific
3:13 That Christ will come 'with all his saints' quotes Zechariah 14:5
4:14 'God will bring with Him' quotes Isaiah 56:7. Isaiah 56 speaks of the call of the gentiles so an appropriate quotation to an ecclesia where there are a significant number of gentiles. Jesus used this area of Isaiah 56 (:7) -Matthew 21:13) to highlight that the gentiles were to be included in God's plans
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
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1. Wherefore <1352> when we could <4722> <0> no longer <3371> forbear <4722>(5723), we thought it good <2106>(5656) to be left <2641>(5683) at <1722> Athens <116> alone <3441>;
2. And <2532> sent <3992>(5656) Timotheus <5095>, our <2257> brother <80>, and <2532> minister <1249> of God <2316>, and <2532> our <2257> fellowlabourer <4904> in <1722> the gospel <2098> of Christ <5547>, to <1519> establish <4741>(5658) you <5209>, and <2532> to comfort <3870>(5658) you <5209> concerning <4012> your <5216> faith <4102>:
3. That no man <3367> should be moved <4525>(5745) by <1722> these <5025> afflictions <2347>: for <1063> yourselves <846> know <1492>(5758) that <3754> we are appointed <2749>(5736) thereunto <1519> <5124>.
4. For <1063> verily <2532>, when <3753> we were <2258>(5713) with <4314> you <5209>, we told <4302> <0> you <5213> before <4302>(5707) that <3754> we should <3195>(5719) suffer tribulation <2346>(5745); even <2532> as <2531> it came to pass <1096>(5633), and <2532> ye know <1492>(5758).
5. For this <5124> cause <1223>, when I <2504> could <4722> <0> no longer <3371> forbear <4722>(5723), I sent <3992>(5656) to <1519> know <1097>(5629) your <5216> faith <4102>, lest by some means <3381> <4458> the tempter <3985>(5723) have tempted <3985>(5707) you <5209>, and <2532> our <2257> labour <2873> be <1096>(5638) in <1519> vain <2756>.
6. But <1161> now <737> when Timotheus <5095> came <2064>(5631) from <575> you <5216> unto <4314> us <2248>, and <2532> brought <2097> <0> us <2254> good tidings <2097>(5671) of your <5216> faith <4102> and <2532> charity <26>, and <2532> that <3754> ye have <2192>(5719) good <18> remembrance <3417> of us <2257> always <3842>, desiring greatly <1971>(5723) to see <1492>(5629) us <2248>, as <2509> we <2249> also <2532> to see you <5209>:
7. Therefore <1223> <5124>, brethren <80>, we were comforted <3870>(5681) over <1909> you <5213> in <1909> all <3956> our <2257> affliction <2347> and <2532> distress <318> by <1223> your <5216> faith <4102>:
8. For <3754> now <3568> we live <2198>(5719), if <1437> ye <5210> stand fast <4739>(5725) in <1722> the Lord <2962>.
9. For <1063> what <5101> thanks <2169> can we <1410>(5736) render <467> <0> to God <2316> again <467>(5629) for <4012> you <5216>, for <1909> all <3956> the joy <5479> wherewith <3739> we joy <5463>(5719) for <1223> your sakes <5209> before <1715> our <2257> God <2316>;
10. Night <3571> and <2532> day <2250> praying <1189>(5740) exceedingly <1537> <4053> <5228> that <1519> we might see <1492>(5629) your <5216> face <4383>, and <2532> might perfect <2675>(5658) that which is lacking <5303> in your <5216> faith <4102>?
11. Now <1161> God <2316> himself <846> and <2532> our <2257> Father <3962>, and <2532> our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, direct <2720>(5659) our <2257> way <3598> unto <4314> you <5209>.
12. And <1161> the Lord <2962> make <4121> <0> you <5209> to increase <4121>(5659) and <2532> abound <4052>(5659) in love <26> one <240> <0> toward <1519> another <240>, and <2532> toward <1519> all <3956> men, even <2532> as <2509> we <2249> do toward <1519> you <5209>:
13. To the end <1519> he may stablish <4741>(5658) your <5216> hearts <2588> unblameable <273> in <1722> holiness <42> before <1715> God <2316>, even <2532> our <2257> Father <3962>, at <1722> the coming <3952> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> with <3326> all <3956> his <846> saints <40>.
1. Furthermore <3063> then <3767> we beseech <2065>(5719) you <5209>, brethren <80>, and <2532> exhort <3870>(5719) you by <1722> the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424>, that as <2531> ye have received <3880>(5627) of <3844> us <2257> how <4459> ye <5209> ought <1163>(5748) to walk <4043>(5721) and <2532> to please <700>(5721) God <2316>, so <2443> ye would abound <4052>(5725) more <3123> and more <3123>.
2. For <1063> ye know <1492>(5758) what <5101> commandments <3852> we gave <1325>(5656) you <5213> by <1223> the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424>.
3. For <1063> this <5124> is <2076>(5748) the will <2307> of God <2316>, even your <5216> sanctification <38>, that ye <5209> should abstain <567>(5733) from <575> fornication <4202>:
4. That every one <1538> of you <5216> should know <1492>(5760) how to possess <2932>(5738) his <1438> vessel <4632> in <1722> sanctification <38> and <2532> honour <5092>;
5. Not <3361> in <1722> the lust <3806> of concupiscence <1939>, even <2532> as <2509> the Gentiles <1484> which <3588> know <1492>(5761) not <3361> God <2316>:
6. That no <3361> man go beyond <5233>(5721) and <2532> defraud <4122>(5721) his <848> brother <80> in <1722> any matter <4229>: because <1360> that the Lord <2962> is the avenger <1558> of <4012> all <3956> such <5130>, as <2531> we <4277> <0> also <2532> have forewarned <4277>(5656) you <5213> and <2532> testified <1263>(5662).
7. For <1063> God <2316> hath <2564> <0> not <3756> called <2564>(5656) us <2248> unto <1909> uncleanness <167>, but <235> unto <1722> holiness <38>.
8. He therefore <5105> that despiseth <114>(5723), despiseth <114>(5719) not <3756> man <444>, but <235> God <2316>, who hath <1325> <0> also <2532> given <1325>(5631) unto <1519> us <2248> his <848> holy <40> Spirit <4151>.
9. But <1161> as touching <4012> brotherly love <5360> ye need <2192>(5719) <5532> not <3756> that I write <1125>(5721) unto you <5213>: for <1063> ye <5210> yourselves <846> are <2075>(5748) taught of God <2312> to <1519> love <25>(5721) one another <240>.
10. And <2532> indeed <1063> ye do <4160>(5719) it <846> toward <1519> all <3956> the brethren <80> which <3588> are in <1722> all <3650> Macedonia <3109>: but <1161> we beseech <3870>(5719) you <5209>, brethren <80>, that ye increase <4052>(5721) more <3123> and more <3123>;
11. And <2532> that ye study <5389>(5738) to be quiet <2270>(5721), and <2532> to do <4238>(5721) your own business <2398>, and <2532> to work with <2038>(5738) your <5216> own <2398> hands <5495>, as <2531> we commanded <3853>(5656) you <5213>;
12. That <2443> ye may walk <4043>(5725) honestly <2156> toward <4314> them that are without <1854>, and <2532> that ye may have <2192>(5725) lack <5532> of nothing <3367>.
13. But <1161> I would <2309> <0> not <3756> have <2309>(5719) you <5209> to be ignorant <50>(5721), brethren <80>, concerning <4012> them which are asleep <2837>(5772), that <3363> <0> <2443> ye sorrow <3076>(5747) not <3363>, even <2532> as <2531> others <3062> which <3588> have <2192>(5723) no <3361> hope <1680>.
14. For <1063> if <1487> we believe <4100>(5719) that <3754> Jesus <2424> died <599>(5627) and <2532> rose again <450>(5627), even so <3779> them also <2532> which sleep <2837>(5685) in <1223> Jesus <2424> will <71> <0> God <2316> bring <71>(5692) with <4862> him <846>.
15. For <1063> this <5124> we say <3004>(5719) unto you <5213> by <1722> the word <3056> of the Lord <2962>, that <3754> we <2249> which <3588> are alive <2198>(5723) and remain <4035>(5742) unto <1519> the coming <3952> of the Lord <2962> shall <5348> <0> not <3364> prevent <5348>(5661) them which <3588> are asleep <2837>(5685).
16. For <3754> the Lord <2962> himself <846> shall descend <2597>(5695) from <575> heaven <3772> with <1722> a shout <2752>, with <1722> the voice <5456> of the archangel <743>, and <2532> with <1722> the trump <4536> of God <2316>: and <2532> the dead <3498> in <1722> Christ <5547> shall rise <450>(5698) first <4412>:
17. Then <1899> we <2249> which <3588> are alive <2198>(5723) and remain <4035>(5742) shall be caught up <726>(5691) together <260> with <4862> them <846> in <1722> the clouds <3507>, to <1519> meet <529> the Lord <2962> in <1519> the air <109>: and <2532> so <3779> shall we <2071> <0> ever <3842> be <2071>(5704) with <4862> the Lord <2962>.
18. Wherefore <5620> comfort <3870>(5720) one another <240> with <1722> these <5125> words <3056>.