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2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 275

Oct2

    Day 275—We are in the TENTH month of Bible reading and studying the New Testament Gospels.

    Day 275 – Matthew 1, Luke 2 (Genealogy of Jesus, birth of Jesus, Jesus at the Temple as a baby and a boy)

Matthew 1. Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus begins with Abraham. It descends, following the kingly line of David down to Jesus’ stepfather, Joseph, showing that Jesus rightfully is in the line to reign as King, as God promised David. (Luke 3 shows the ascending line of Jesus from Mary to Adam and God)

Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus also includes women and gentiles. (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba).  (Be sure to read through this list. We’ve just finished the Old Testament reading, and you will recognize many names.)

In Luke’s gospel, we read how the angel Gabriel visited Mary and told her she would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and give birth to “the Son of God,” whom she should name Jesus. 

Here, we see her betrothed, Joseph, learning of her pregnancy and deciding to “divorce” her privately. (He definitely was NOT the baby’s natural father.)  But the angel comes to him in a dream, explaining Mary’s Holy Spirit conception, the Son she will bear and call Jesus, “for he will save his people from their sins.” The baby will also be known as “Immanuel,” God with us.  (The angel refers to Isaiah 7:14, 8:8 & 10)

Joseph awoke from the dream and “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but ‘knew her not’ until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”

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Luke 2. This passage is very familiar to believers. Some might even be able to recite it.  Christmas: the birth of Jesus.

It begins with the Roman Caesar Augustus needing more money and sending out a decree to all the constituents of his world to “register” in the towns of their birth so he could extract taxes from each of them. 

Joseph – a descendant of David, born in Bethlehem – started out for that town with his very pregnant wife.  They barely made it when she went into labor and gave birth to her firstborn son. He was wrapped and laid in a feed box in the stable because the inn had no vacant rooms. (Crowded with people coming to register.)

Meanwhile, out in the hills surrounding Bethlehem, a group of special shepherds watched over their flock of special sheep. (Special because these were the sheep used for sacrifices in the temple.)  All was quiet when suddenly a bright angel appeared to them, and the brilliant light of the glory of the Lord shone all around them.  Cringing from the light of God, they trembled.

(It’s interesting that the SHEEP did not panic and flee. Did they understand that “the Lamb of God” who would one day be “sacrificed” in Jerusalem, like them, had been born that night?)

The bright angel announced the GOSPEL (good news) OF JOY, which was for all people.  A Savior, Messiah, the Lord, had been born that night in a nearby stable. They would know Him because He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying IN A FEEDBOX. 

Then the Angel of the Lord was surrounded by a multitude (myriads) of angels, singing praise to God,  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”

Then silence and darkness came, and the shepherds sat/lay dumbfounded. Finally one said, “Let’s go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.”  And they did.  And like the angel said, they found Mary and Joseph in a stable and a baby lying in a feedbox.  They told the couple about the angels, and everyone was amazed.  (Mary bloomed joyfully and hid these things in her heart for later.)  The shepherds returned to their sheep,  glorifying and praising God, having seen the Lamb of God which would one day take away the sin of their world.

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FORTY DAYS LATER, when it came time for the ritual of cleansing for Mary after giving birth, and the dedication of the firstborn son, they went to the temple.  As those in poverty, the couple offered two birds (Leviticus 12:8), and then paid the coin required by law to “redeem back” their baby, according to the Mosaic law. (Exodus 13:2, 12-15)

Then, two old people came to bless the baby boy and his parents. Simeon, righteous and devout and waiting for the Messiah, approached them with his face alight with gratitude to God.  He took Jesus in his arms, saying he could now die peacefully because he had seen God’s salvation. “My eyes have seen Your Salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people, Israel.”

He blessed Mary and Joseph and warned Mary that a “sword would pierce through her soul” because of Him.  Then, the second elder, Anna, a prophetess, came to them.  She also gave thanks to God for seeing the savior.  She began to give thanks to God and to speak of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

This must have “wowed” Mary and Joseph and added more thoughts to Mary’s heart to ponder. 

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TWELVE YEARS LATER (after a visit from some wise men, a trip to Egypt (recalled by Matthew), and the return to Nazareth), Jesus, having grown and become strong, filled with wisdom, and having God’s favor on him, went with Mary and Joseph (and possibly some younger siblings) to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover.  (Was this also His Bar Mitzvah?)

After the ceremonies, as the family returned to Nazareth, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Mary did not miss him until they were three days out.  Then she panicked, searching among the relatives and traveling companions and not finding him.  They decided they had to return to the City to look for him.  Sure enough, Jesus was in the temple, sitting among the rabbis, listening to them and asking questions.  Those teachers were totally amazed at His understanding and answers.

“Son! Why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress!”  cried his mother.

Jesus answered them politely but truthfully, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know I must be in MY FATHER’S house?”

Whoa. (More for Mary to think about.)

But Jesus went back with them to Nazareth, where He INCREASED in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man.

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 274

Oct1

    Day 274—We are in the TENTH month of Bible reading and studying the New Testament Gospels.

    Day 274 – Luke 1, John 1 (the prophet, John, [the Baptist] is born, Zachariah, Elizabeth, Mary)

Luke 1. Dr. Luke, a learned Gentile, writes a long two-part letter to his friend Theophilus about “things that have been accomplished among us,” namely the appearance and work of the long-awaited Christ.  

He begins with the birth of the prophesied prophet, who will be like Elijah and be the forerunner of Christ and “prepare the way for him.” His story starts with two old righteous people: Zechariah, the priest, and his wife, Elizabeth, also from the priestly line.

Zechariah’s once-in-a-lifetime task is to burn incense in the Holy Place in the Temple. While performing the task, the angel Gabriel appears right next to him! Zechariah freaks out, but the angel tells him not to fear because God has heard his prayer for a son. Elizabeth is going to have a baby!  “Call him John. He will be great before the LORD. You’ll be so happy! Raise him as a Nazarite. He’ll be filled with the Holy Spirit from conception. He will prepare the way for the Messiah!

Zechariah is dumbfounded (and WILL BE dumbstruck) because he doubts the angel’s word, protesting that he and his wife are soooooo old. And, typical of Jewish men, he asks for a sign.  Gabriel is affronted and tells him the sign will be that he can’t speak a word till the baby is born.  Instantly, his tongue is mute. And Elizabeth gets the privilege of announcing it and when the time comes, of naming her baby.

Meanwhile, 100 miles north of Jerusalem, Gabriel appears to a young virgin girl named Mary in Nazareth and tells her she is to have a baby boy. Whoa!  She isn’t even married! But Gabriel says, “No problem,” because God will be His father. “Name him Jesus. He’ll also be called the Son of the Most High. God will give him the throne of David, and he’ll reign over Israel forever.”

As a sign for her (although she didn’t ask for one), Gabriel tells her about her old cousin, Elizabeth, who is expecting too.  “For nothing will be impossible with God.”  Mary makes plans and goes to visit Elizabeth. Isn’t God kind?  Mary, who knows nothing of pregnancy, gets to stay with the older Elizabeth, who  is experiencing everything three months ahead of her and can share what happens! 

For Elizabeth’s part, when she hears Mary’s greeting, John jumps for joy in her womb, and she breaks out in a song of multiple praises to the LORD.  Mary stays with her for three months (morning sickness gone) then returns to Nazareth. 

John, the forerunner of Jesus, the Messiah, is born!!  There is great rejoicing.  Elizabeth says, “His name is JOHN!” But Zechariah’s family protests.  They think he should be named after his father. But when the old priest is asked, he writes, “John.”  Instantly, his muteness is gone, and he, filled with the Holy Spirit, begins blessing God, NOT for his own son, but for the Messiah who will redeem His people.  

Then, looking at his own boy, he says, “You, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way.

John grew up, became strong in spirit, and lived in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

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John 1.  The apostle John begins the birth of Jesus WAY back further than even Dr. Luke. He starts before time begins, before the Son of God is named “Jesus.” When the Son, the Father, and the Holy Spirit created the world and all that is in it. He was LIFE and LIGHT shining in a darkness that couldn’t overcome Him. 

The apostle John says that John the Baptist was sent from God to be a witness of that LIGHT that everyone would believe in Him. 

The apostle John also says sadly about this One,  “He was the true LIGHT. He was in the world that He made, but the world did not know Him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.”  But, hear the joy in the apostle John’s voice when he says, “But to all who DID receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, born not of blood or flesh, or the will of man…but of God.” 

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.  For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.”

Then, we see the ministry of John the Baptist begin.  He is baptizing repentant seekers in the Jordan River and preaching. “He who comes after me ranks before me because he was before me.” 

“Who are you?” Asked the priests and Levites from Jerusalem.

“I am not the Christ,” the Baptist said.

“What then?  Are you Elijah?

“I am not.

“Are you the Prophet (that Moses prophesied would come)?

“No.”

“Who are you?  We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

And the Baptist answered, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness. Make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said.” (Isaiah 40:3)

“Why are you baptizing if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” they ask, frustrated.

“I baptize with  water, but among you stands One you do not know, even He who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.”

The next day, the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him.  “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!. THIS is He of whom I said, ‘after me, comes a man who ranks before me, because He was before me.’

“I, myself, did not know him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’  And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

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Next, we see Jesus calling his first disciples. Two of the Baptist’s own followers follow Jesus after the Baptist exclaims, “Behold the Lamb of God.”  One of them, Andrew, runs to tell his brother Simon Peter that they have “found the Messiah,” and he comes.  Then Philip of Bethsaida believes and gets his friend, Nathaniel, who is initially skeptical, but after meeting Jesus, he also believes.  “Rabbi, you are the Son of God. You are the King of Israel.”

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 271

Sep27

    Day 271—We are in the NINTH month of Bible reading with more of Israel’s history and the book of NEHEMIAH.

    Day 271 – Nehemiah 8 – 10 (Joy at the reading of the Law, Feast of Booths celebrated, confession, and commitment)

Nehemiah 8. After the wall was finished, and the people were living in their towns, in the seventh month, the men, women, and children of the age to understand gathered in the square just inside the Water Gate on the east side of the city and south of the Temple.

They gathered together to hear Ezra read the “Book of the Law of Moses.” (1st five books of the Bible, the “Torah”). “Bless the LORD, the great God,” Ezra said, and all the people answered, “Amen, amen.” Then they lifted their hands, bowed their heads, and worshiped the LORD. 

(I should do this before I read God’s word each morning, too!)

Standing on a raised wooden platform, with Levites on either side, Ezra read from early morning until midday. The Levites helped the people to understand the Law while they listened. The people were attentive, hearing like it was the first time, and they wept.

“This day is holy to the LORD your God,” said Nehemiah. “Go, eat the fat, drink sweet wine, and share with the needy.  Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Then, they gathered again the next day to study the words of the law. They heard about the Festival of Booths/Tabernacles and realized they hadn’t obeyed that command for quite a while.  Ezra told them to gather branches and build booths, for they would celebrate the week unto the LORD. (It was to remember the days they’d lived in temporary shelters those 40 years in the wilderness.)  And they kept the feast, after which there was a “solemn assembly.” (The Day of Atonement)

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Nehemiah 9.  The people assembled, fasting and in sackcloth. They confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers.  They stood and heard the reading of the Law for a quarter of the day, and for another quarter, they confessed and worshiped the LORD their God.

Then, in verses 4 – 37, the Levites stood on the stairs and cried to the LORD their God. Then they commanded the people to  “Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting.”

In worship and confession of sin, the Levites recited God’s mighty redemptive acts on Israel’s behalf, from creation through His promises to their forefathers, His faithfulness and care of them despite their sin and rebellion, and His offers of grace and mercy. “You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them, and did not withhold your Manna and gave them water.”  

They praised God for bringing them into this good land and giving them prosperity but confessed that when they were filled with His great goodness, they became disobedient, rebelled, and committed great blasphemies. He had given them to their enemies (in Judges), but, when they cried to Him, He had sent them saviors and rest. However, soon, they were back into their old sinful ways.

God had warned them for many years by His prophets, but they would not listen. Finally, He sent them as captives to foreign lands.  But even there, He had spared a remnant. 

“Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to You that has come upon us.  You have dealt faithfully, and we have acted wickedly.  

They confessed that despite being in the land God had promised to their fathers, they were slaves. SLAVES! The land’s rich yield all went to the kings God set over them….because of their sins. Those kings now rule over their bodies and livestock as they please.

“Because of all this, the Levites prayed, “We make a firm covenant in writing” to obey God and not repeat the sins of our fathers.”

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Nehemiah 10. Like John Hancock boldly signing our own Declaration of Independence, Nehemiah, the governor, was the first to sign the seal of that “firm covenant.” Then came the names of the priests, Levites, and others. Surprisingly, Ezra’s name is not listed. All the rest of the people entered an oath (and a curse for breaking it) to walk in God’s law, to observe and do all the commandments, plus His rules and statutes. They also “obligated themselves” to bring yearly tithes and offerings to the house of God. “We will not neglect the house of our God.”

 

(Fresh starts, vows, and commitments are so wonderful. I wonder how long they – like we – can keep them.) 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 266 & 267

Sep23

    Days 266 & 267—We are in the NINETH month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history in ESTHER.

NOTE: Sunday and Monday studies are posted on Monday. These two days’ posts will be longer than usual. 

    Day 266 – Esther 1 – 5 (A fascinating story of God’s providence for His chosen people, the Jews. A plot is hatched to destroy them.) 

Esther 1. Background. King Ahasuerus (or Xerxes, in Greek) is king of Persia, and his winter capital is Susa. He reigns from India to Ethiopia!! He was so rich that he gave a feast for all his servants and officials, governors and nobles, and the army of Persia and Media FOR 180 DAYS!! (6 months)

He added a special feast at the end for ALL the citizens of Susa. And any man could drink as much or as little as they liked.  On the seventh day, probably drunk, he called for his Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown (nothing else??), to show her beauty to the people and princes. 

She refused.

What an uproar this caused. The king has been affronted.  All the men in the kingdom are now afraid THEIR wives will refuse to obey them.  Stamp out this trend RIGHT NOW!  The king listens. He fires Vashti and sends out notices of his decision (so all those wives and women will take note and give honor to their husbands.)  But then, the King got lonely for her.

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Esther 2.  But never fear. The king’s young men come up with a new plan.  Call for all the beautiful young virgins from all 127 of your providences to “audition” for Vashti’s place. This pleased the king, and he did so.

Now….. There was a Jew in Susa, a Benjaminite, descended from King Saul’s line, named Mordecai. He had been brought as a captive to Babylon in Nebuchadnezzar’s second wave of captives, along with King Jeconiah (Jehoiachin).  His uncle was taken, too. When his uncle and aunt died, Mordecai raised their young daughter Hadassah/Esther as his own.  And this beautiful young (12-14 year old) girl was taken in the “beauty contest” of Ahasuerus.

The head eunuch, Hegai, liked Esther and quickly gave her all the cosmetics, treatments, foods, etc., that she would need to “win.”   And sure enough, when it was her time to “go into the king,” he delighted in her and chose Esther as his new queen. Big celebration.

Now….. It just so happened that one day, Mordecai was sitting by the king’s gate when he overheard two guards trash-talking the king and planning to assassinate him.  He told that to Queen Esther who told the king about it in the name of Mordecai.  The guards were investigated and hanged, and the incident was recorded in the book of the chronicles of the king. 

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Esther 3. Now….. There was another man in Susa, whom the king promoted above all the other officials.  All the king’s servants bowed down and paid homage to him…. except Mordecai. This infuriated Haman.

(A little history here:  Haman was an Agagite, a descendent of King Agag, the Amalekite, whom King Saul (Mordecai’s ancestor) was supposed to have killed. Ages before, God had decreed that all the Amalekites should be annihilated for their harsh treatment of their distant kinsmen (the Jews) as they wandered in the wilderness.  Amalek was the grandson of Esau, the twin brother to Jacob/Israel.  They had attacked the unprepared Israelites from behind.) 

Because of this history, Haman had a deep hatred of the Jews, personified in Mordecai. (Esther had not made her heritage known as Mordecai had instructed.)

Passing by Mordecai’s indifference every day infuriated Haman so much that he asked King Ahasuerus (in a roundabout manner) to write an edict that all the Jews in his kingdom be killed on a specific day. They were, after all, troublemakers who disobeyed the king’s laws.  “Okay, sure, do as you wish, Haman.”  Pandemonium broke out in the capital and spread throughout the kingdom.  (Haman was like modern-day Hitler & Hamas)

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Esther 4.  When Mordecai heard about the edict, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes as a sign of deep mourning, as did the whole city and land. Weeping and lamenting could be heard everywhere.  Esther heard about it and sent a message to her “cousin/uncle” to learn the reason. Then, using Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to her, she and Mordecai had this conversation.

“Esther, Haman is planning to destroy all the Jews. Here is the letter he sent out.  Go to the king and plead on behalf of your people.”

“Mordecai, everyone knows that any man or woman who goes to the king without being summoned and he doesn’t hold out his golden scepter to… will be killed!  The king has not called for me in 30 days!!”

“Esther, do not think you will escape in the king’s palace. For if you keep silent at this time, deliverance WILL COME for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish.  And… who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this.”

“Okay, Mordecai.  Go gather all the Jews to be found in Susa and hold a fast on my behalf for three days. My maids and I will do the same. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

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Esther 5. On the third day, Esther puts on her royal robes and stands at the King’s throne room entrance. He is in there.  He sees his queen…. and smiles.  He holds out the golden scepter that is in his hand. 

“Ah, Queen Esther, What is your request? To half of my kingdom, I will give you.”  WOW!!!

Esther sweetly requests his (and Haman’s) presence at a banquet she is preparing.  He accepts, and the top two men in Persia come to dine in her palace.  Again, the king asks what her request is – to half his kingdom.  

Esther demurs again, saying she will tell him at another banquet for them the following night. Well-fed and maybe a little tipsy, they leave.

Haman is on top of the world, having feasted and been invited to feast again with the King and Queen.  That is, until he sees Mordecai at the gate, neither bowing nor trembling before him.  At home, he rants and raves and tells his wife and relatives about his hatred.  They say, “Build a gallows, tell the king to hang the man, then go joyfully to your banquet.”

The idea pleased Haman and he had the gallows made. He’ll see the king in the morning.

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    Day 267 – Esther 6 – 10 (The conclusion of the story, a new holiday, Mordecai’s rise to power)

Esther 6. Maybe Esther’s banquet was a bit too rich for the King. Or perhaps he just over-indulged. Regardless, he couldn’t sleep and called for some bedtime reading. They “just happen” to bring him the Book of Memorable Deeds, the chronicles, and read about how Mordecai saved his life in the incident of the two guards planning his assassination. 

“Has this man ever been rewarded for this?” he asks.

“No, nothing has been done for him,” they answer.

“Who is in the court right now?” he asks.

And, it just so happens that Haman is coming to the king right then to ask that Mordecai be hanged.”  OOPS!

“Hey, Haman, what should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” says Ahasuerus. 

“It’s me! It’s ME!!” Haman thinks to himself. “Well… let your royal robes be brought, the horse the king rides, and a crown the king has worn. Dress him in these and let one of the court’s most noble officials lead him around the city, proclaiming that THIS is the one the king wants to honor.”

“Great idea, Haman.” says the king. “Hurry, take the robes and the horse as you have said, and do so to Mordecai, the Jew, who sits at my gate. Leave nothing out that you have mentioned.”

Could Haman even move??  

Yes, and he obeyed the king, mortified!  And afterward, he went home with his head covered, mourning.  This time, his wife and relatives said,  “Well, if Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.” 

And while they were speaking, the king’s eunuch arrived to take him to Esther’s banquet.

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Esther 7.  So the two men feast and drink wine at Esther’s table, and the king again asks her what she would like – even to half of his kingdom.  Then, she discloses the plot against HERSELF and HER PEOPLE to be destroyed, killed, and annihilated (words of Haman’s edict).  

“Who? WHO would dare to do this??” the king screams.

“A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!!” she cries. 

The king is so upset that he gets up and goes out to the terrace. 

Haman, however, stays to plead his case.  He means to fall at her feet to beg but is drunk and lands on top of her instead.  Just then, the king returns and sees what he thinks is Haman assaulting his Queen in his presence, in his own house! 

A eunuch in attendance says calmly,  “Haman has also prepared gallows to hang Mordecai, whom the king has honored for saving his life.  It’s standing at his house, 75 feet tall……”  Just saying.

“HANG HIM ON THAT!” the king commands.

They do. Haman is “hoisted upon his own petard,” and the king’s wrath subsides.

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Esther 8.  Mordecai is honored and elevated to Haman’s place. But the queen’s work is not done.  The edict to kill all the Jews on Adar 13. (end of February) still stands. Esther again attempts an audience with the king, and he agrees. At her request, he okays a second letter to be sent to all his provinces from India to Ethiopia, telling the Jews that they can fight back and plunder all the goods of their enemies on Adar 13. It is signed, sealed, and delivered to the 50 million people under his rule.

Then, the Jews had “light and gladness and joy and honor,” a feast, and a holiday.

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Esther 9. So, on that fateful day, the Jews in his kingdom gathered and gained mastery over those who hated them. They killed any who sought to harm them. Everyone was afraid of them!  The governors and royal agents even HELPED them for fear of Mordecai. In the melee in Susa, all 10 of Haman’s sons were killed.  The king even granted another day (Adar 14) to “clean up the enemies” of the Jews in Susa.

But the Jews did not plunder their enemies.

Curious.  Why didn’t they?  The king gave them permission.

(Go back to Deut. 25:17-19 — “Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary and cut off those who were lagging and did not fear God.  Therefore, when the LORD your God has given you rest from all your enemies around you in the land…you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven; you shall not forget.) 

(Later, King Saul was instructed to kill ALL the Amalekites and take no plunder. But he disobeyed God and kept the prize sheep and King Agag alive. Samuel had to kill the king for him. See 1 Samuel 15:3, 9.  Because of this, Haman, the Agagite, hated the Jews. And because of God’s instructions to the disobedient Saul, the people did as he was supposed to do and TOOK NO PLUNDER.)

Afterward, Mordecai recorded the numbers and sent letters to the Jews in all the provinces.  From then on, they were to keep the 14th day of Adar every year as a day of rest and remembrance of when they got relief from their enemies, turning it from a day of sorrow to a day of gladness and holiday.  There should be feasting and sending gifts to one another and the poor.

The day would be called Purim (lots or dice) because Haman had cast lots for the day of the holocaust. Queen Esther’s command confirmed these practices of Purim, and it was recorded in writing. 

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Esther 10. The last chapter confirms King Ahasuerus elevating Mordecai to second-in-command in the land.  It also states that Mordecai was popular among the Jews for “he sought the welfare of all his people and spoke peace to all his people.”   

A good old man, that Mordecai. And “Bravo!” Queen Esther.

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 265

Sep21

    Day 265—We are in the NINETH month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history and ZECHARIAH’S prophecy.

    Day 265 – Zechariah 10 – 14 (Restoration for Judah & Israel now and in the future Messianic Kingdom, Jesus as shepherd and his rejection, Israel’s ultimate salvation, 2nd coming of the LORD)

This section is full of prophetic words for the time it was spoken, the time of Jesus’ first coming & rejection, and the time of His second coming and ultimate rule over restored Israel…all jumbled together in 5 chapters.  Whew!

Zechariah 10. God promises early and later rain to the people, meaning both physical and spiritual rain.  He condemns “household gods” and other means of divination that cause His people to wander like lost sheep looking for the direction HE would supply. His anger is against the false shepherds who led his people into sin. Yet God loves the people and will bring them all back from the distant lands to become strong again.

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Zechariah 11. Next, Zechariah is asked to act as the true shepherd (Jesus) to a wayward sheep, doomed to slaughter (i.e., raised for sacrifice) who will reject him.  Zechariah had two staffs, and when the “sheep” detested him, he refused to be their shepherd anymore. He broke his staffs (as if annulling the covenant with Israel). 

Then, “shepherd” Zechariah is to ask for his wages. He is given “30 pieces of silver.” The LORD then instructs him to throw them into the house of the LORD, to the potter.  (This is such a picture of Jesus being betrayed for the same amount of coin, and then Judas returning the money to the Jewish leaders in the temple, who then bought a “potter’s field” to bury his remains.) (Matthew 27:3-10)

With the “true shepherd” gone, Zechariah is then to play the role of a false shepherd who depicts the Antichrist of Daniel’s 70th week.  Because the future Israel did not choose the Good Shepherd, they will be destroyed by the foolish one, which is what Antichrist tries to do. (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15-22)

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Zechariah 12. The prophet reverts here to the coming Messianic age and the final restoration of Israel. Jerusalem will be like a “cup of staggering” (a huge wine bowl from which all the nations will get drunk.) Then, they will be easily defeated when they come to fight. (The Battle of Armageddon, Ezekiel 38:1-6, 14-16, Daniel 11:30-44, Revelation 9:13-16, 14;20, 16:12-16)  

The leaders will proclaim, “The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God,” possibly speaking of the Jews’ saving faith at that time.

“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that when they look on me, on Him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only child, and weeps bitterly over Him, as one weeps over a firstborn Son.”

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Zechariah 13. “On that day, there will be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.”

“Awake, O sword, against my Shepherd, against the Man who stands next to me, declares the LORD of hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered….”

In the whole land, declares the LORD, two-thirds shall be cut off and perish, and one-third shall be left alive. And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my Name, and I will answer them. I will say, They are my people, and they will say, The LORD is my God.”  (See Matthew 25:31-46)

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Zechariah 14.   This chapter flashes back to chapters 12 and 13 before Israel’s national conversion.  The Jews will make a pact with a false messiah (the foolish shepherd or Antichrist).   In the middle of that 7-year covenant (Daniel’s 70th week), the Antichrist will break his treaty and require worship of himself alone. When Israel refuses, then comes Armageddon. After the LORD intervenes (His feet standing on the Mount of Olive, splitting it east & west), then comes the complete restoration of Israel.

And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day, the LORD will be one, and His name one.”   “The whole land shall be turned into a (fertile) plain.”    “There shall never again be a decree of utter destruction. Jerusalem shall dwell in security.”

“Then everyone who survives of all the nations ( the Gentiles ) that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts.”  Wow.

 

(Tomorrow begins the book of ESTHER, telling of the Jews who did NOT RETURN from exile to Jerusalem.)

 

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 264

Sep20

    Day 264—We are in the NINETH month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history and ZECHARIAH’S prophecy.

    Day 264 – Zechariah 5 – 9  (3 visions, Israel’s enemies, the Messiah)

Zechariah 5. Zechariah’s sixth dream/vision is a huge Flying Scroll – 15×30 feet, the same size as the holy place in the temple. It’s written on both sides. The 2nd and 8th commandments are listed, so maybe the scroll was of all the 10 Commandments.

It symbolizes the Word of God that Israel and the entire world have disobeyed and the coming judgment.

The Woman in a Basket is the seventh vision.  The angel shows Zechariah the woman inside the basket, whom he calls “Wickedness,” and quickly covers the basket with the lead top.  Two women with stork-like wings pick up the basket and carry it off.  This pictures the wickedness that permeated Israel and Judah, finally being carried off to Shinar (ancient Babylon’s name and the place of the tower of Babel).  This is the final “great Babylon” of Revelation 17 – 18, which will be destroyed before the Messiah’s kingdom is set up.

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Zechariah 6.  The last dream/vision is of Four Chariots. The chariots represent God’s judgment on the nations that attack Israel. The two mountains are probably Mt. Zion and the Mt of Olives, where the Lord Jesus will return.  The color of the horses pulling the chariots is again similar to the 4 Apocalyptic horses in Revelation 6:1-8.  These chariots envision vengeance on the nations.  When the final judgment is done, God’s spirit of wrath rests.  See also Revelation 19 – 20.

The Crown and the Temple. Although this is not a vision, the crown on Joshua, the high priest, and the coming One (the Branch of David’s line) who will sit on a throne in the temple He will build again, picture the Lord Jesus who will both reign as King and serve as High Priest in the Messianic kingdom on earth.

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Zechariah 7. With the temple now half finished and no obstacles to hinder them, people from Bethel came to the priests in Jerusalem and asked if they should keep mourning the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple.  God, through Zechariah, scolds them.  Was your mourning for Me or for yourselves?  Obedience, not ritual, is what is essential. (This reminds me of Samuel’s “To obey is better than sacrifice” to the former King Saul.)  God is interested in HEART attitudes.

God then reminds them how He had called the people repeatedly to justice, kindness, and mercy, not oppressing widows, orphans, and the poor, and not devising evil in their hearts.  But they had refused to listen to Him…so HE refused to listen to them in their hour of distress and scattered them.

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Zechariah 8. God, through Zechariah, is still answering the Bethel delegation.  He loves His people so much. His wrath was caused by His jealousy of them. But now He has returned and will dwell in their midst again, in “the faithful city.”  This also speaks of the remnant of Israel in the coming Messianic Kingdom, where “Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age. And the city’s streets shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.”

“I will save my people from the east and west countries and bring them to dwell in Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.”

“And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things (peace, fruitfulness, produce, dew from heaven). And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing.  Fear not, but let your hands be strong.”

Then, to the remnant, God repeats the requirement that He gave formerly of speaking truth and peace with each other, devising no evil or false oaths or other things He hates.

And FINALLY, He answers their question.  “The FASTS shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy, and gladness, and cheerful feasts. Love truth and peace. “

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Zechariah 9. The first of two “oracles.”  Judgment of Israel’s Enemies, The first Coming, and rejection of the King of Zion. (Behold your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.”  (See Matthew 21, John 12)

Verses 10-17 allude to their king’s SECOND Coming: “His rule shall be from sea to sea.”   “On that day, the LORD their God will save them, as the flock of His people; for like the jewels of a crown, they shall shine on His land. For how great is His goodness and how great His beauty.”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 263

Sep19

    Day 263—We are in the NINETH month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history and ZECHARIAH’S prophecy.

    Day 263 – Zechariah 1 – 4  (A call to repentance, and five visions)

According to Ezra 5:1 and 6:14, Zechariah and Haggai were prophets to the returned-from-exile Jews to begin (Haggai) and to finish (Zechariah) the rebuilding of the Temple.  Z. reminded them that this is where the Messiah would come, so build it!! Haggai was more scolding, whereas Z was more positive, reassuring them of future blessings. 

Zechariah 1.  Zechariah’s first words were of hope. “Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you.” Don’t be like your fathers who did not listen.  The people took this to heart and repented.

The “Horseman” was the first of five visions/dreams in this section and reassured the Jews of God’s purpose for their future. The man on the red horse is called “the angel of the LORD” and possibly is an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ.  Z. also sees three other horses, possibly referring to Revelation 6:1-8.  These patrol the earth, seeing the nations who had come against Israel, which angered the LORD. But He promises to return to Jerusalem with mercy. “My cities shall again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.”

The “Horns and Craftsmen” vision is the second in the same night. The angel tells Z. that the four horns he sees are the nations God used to scatter Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.  The four craftsmen were come to terrify those nations and “cast them down.”

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Zechariah 2. The “Man with a Measuring Line” vision was next in that night of dreams. This vision is meant to comfort the returned exiles.  Not only is God measuring Jerusalem to rebuild it in their time, but also a greater Jerusalem in the time of the Messiah’s reign on earth.  And again, woes to the nations who dared to “touch Israel, the apple of His eye.”

And God’s promise of a glorious future time, “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come, and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people.”

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Zechariah 3. The “Joshua as High Priest” vision is the fourth that night and speaks of Israel’s future role as a priestly nation.  Joshua, the high priest, is pictured standing before “the angel of the LORD” in filthy garments (much like the nation of Israel, sinful and unworthy). At his right is Satan, the Adversary, accusing him.  The LORD rebukes Satan, saying Joshua is chosen, a “brand plucked from the fire,” much like Jerusalem. 

Note: God Himself (the angel of the LORD) removes Joshua’s filthy garments and clothes him in pure robes and a priestly turban.  This is also a glorious picture of God’s actions for those who trust in His Son, Jesus the Messiah. Our filthy sin is removed, and Christ’s righteousness clothes us like a robe.

Then, speaking of Jesus, the Messiah, the “Branch,” God says, “I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day.”

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Zechariah 4. The “Golden Lampstand”  vision is next.  It’s a huge menorah with a large golden “bowl” for oil, seven branches, and seven lips on each branch.  Behind it are two olive trees feeding oil constantly to the bowl and branches.  “What are these?” asked Z.  “Don’t you know?” asked the Angel.  “No, my, Lord,” said Z. 

And the LORD replies,  “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. What are you, O great mountain?  Before Zerubbabel, you shall become a plain.”   Here, the LORD, through Z., encourages Zerubbabel to finish the temple building.  And God will give an abundant supply of His Spirit to help. (Spirit is often represented by oil in the Bible.)  God says that, although this temple is smaller and less grand than the previous one, it represents the glorious restoration temple when the Messiah comes to reign. 

And then the LORD tells Z. who the olive trees represent (verse 14). They are the “anointed ones” representing the kingly and priestly offices in Israel, through which God’s blessing will flow. At the time, these were Zerubbabel (descendant of David) and Joshua (descendant of Eleazar).  Together, they foreshadow the Messiah, who is both king and priest, like Melchizedek.  (Psalm 110)

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(Three more dreams that night will follow tomorrow.)

  

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 262

Sep18

    Day 262—We are in the NINETH month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history and a look at HAGGAI’s prophecy.

    Day 262 – Haggai 1 – 2  (encouraging & scolding messages to the returned  Jews about rebuilding the temple)

Haggai should be read alongside the first part of Ezra.

Haggai 1.  The people cared for their own houses instead of starting/finishing the temple. In Haggai’s message to Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua (Jeshua in Ezra), they are to tell the people to “build the House of the LORD, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified.”  He tells them that THAT is the reason for all the setbacks. They are putting themselves ahead of their God.

When Zerubbabel, Joshua, and all the returned people set their hearts to obey the voice of the Lord, God’s message was, “I am with you.”  And they came and worked on the House of the LORD of hosts, their God, on the 24th day of the sixth month in the second year of Darius the king. (Scholars say that was August 24, 520 BC.)

Haggai 2.  Haggai then tells the governor and high priest to comfort the old-timers who remember Solomon’s temple compared to the one they are building. He says, “How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes?  Yet now be strong, all you people of the land.  Work, for I am with you, according to the covenant I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not.”

Then God tells them of a future time when he will shake the nations, and all the treasures of the nations shall come, and He will fill His house with glory.  “The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former.  And in this place, I will give peace.”

Then, the LORD and Haggai, the prophet, discuss holy and clean things versus unclean things. God reminds him (and the people) that HE, His glory, His temple, etc., should be first in their hearts. If not, their “unclean hands and heart” would make the temple they are building “unclean” also. But now that their hearts are set to finish the project, they will see the LORD blessing them.

Then Haggai is told to give Zerubbabel a special message from God about a future time. On that day (the day of the Messiah’s triumph), says the LORD of hosts, “I will take you, O Zerubbabel, my servant (a Messianic title), and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you.”

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(NOTE: Zerubbabel is the official representative of the Davidic dynasty and shows the resumption of the messianic line (from his grandfather, King Jehoiachin. See Jeremiah 22:24 with 1 Chronicles 3:17, 19), which was interrupted by the exile. Zerubbabel is in David’s kingly line, both from Joseph’s and Mary’s side. See Matt. 1:12, Luke 3:27, showing both the title and blood lines.)

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 261

Sep17

    Day 261—We are in the NINETH month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history.

    Day 261 – Ezra 4 – 6, Psalm 137  (Lots of push-back from the residents about the temple building.  a wistful song remembering Jerusalem)

Ezra 4. The temple foundation is finished, sacrifices have been started, the people are rejoicing (or weeping).  Then, all of a sudden, opposition to the Temple building project arises from the locals. They have been living in the area for over 70 years…it’s THEIR property now….who are these Jews from Babylon who are taking over “their” land?

It begins with an offer to “help” them build. At first this seems nice. But the Jews remember what happened with they let “non-Jews” invade their plans before.  Nope, no more being “unequally yoked!” We’ve learned our lesson!  But they allowed the opposition discourage them and made them fearful of continuing the building.

The people of the land wrote letters to Ahasuerus and Artaxerxes (rulers after King Cyrus who had originally given the Jews the permission) complaining about them, saying the Jews were rebels and once the building was finished they wouldn’t pay the king tribute or toll. 

One letter was very insistent, urging King Artaxerxes to search the records to see how the Jews resisted and fought them.  It’s why the city was destroyed in the first place.  The king read the letter and started a search of the records, but meanwhile, he sent a decree to Jerusalem that the work cease immediately.  And work on the Temple stopped.

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Ezra 5. Then God sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. And with their support, Zerubbabel started up the building project again. The locals protested. “Who said you could build again?”  And they sent another letter to the new King Darius.  “This house of God is being built with huge stones and timber and is prospering.  We asked the names of the builders, but all they said was that they are “the servants of the God of heaven and earth.” They say they got permission from Cyrus to build. Please check this out to see IF they really did.”

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Ezra 6.  It was King Darius who made a thorough search of the stored documents in the house of archives and the scroll WAS found from the first year of Cyrus.  And the good King Darius wrote a biting letter back to the local protestors.

“Keep away.  Let the work on this house of God alone. Let the Jews rebuild it on its site.  MOREOVER… I decree that you shall do everything to assist them.  YOU pay the workers in full and without delay.  And whatever is needed for their offerings, YOU supply… day by day, with out fail.   And….. if you alter this letter in any way, a beam shall be pulled out of your house and impale you on it, and your house shall be made a dunghill.  I, Darius, make a decree; let it be done with all diligence.“

(WHOA!! Yay Darius. Halleluia to the God of heaven and earth. )

And so… the governor and his associates did with all diligence what Darius the king had ordered.  And the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah.  They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. 

And the returned people of Israel, the priests and Levites celebrated the dedication of the house of God with JOY.  Then they celebrated the Passover for the first time back in their land.

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Psalm 137:1-6
"By the waters of Babylon,
there we sat down and wept,
when we remembered Zion.
On the willows there
we hung up our lyres.
For there our captors
required of us songs,
and our tormentors, mirth, saying,
"Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"

How shall we sing the LORD's song
in a foreign land?
If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
let my right hand forget its skill!
Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth,
if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem
above my highest joy!"

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 259 & 260

Sep16

    Days 259 & 260—We are in the NINETH month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history, DANIEL’s prophecy, and beginning of EZRA.

NOTE: Sunday and Monday studies are posted on Monday.

    Day 259 – Daniel 10 – 12 (more prophecy of Daniel’s and our future)

The visions, with the angels, battles, the rise & fall of kings & kingdoms, and the final time of the end, are very hard to understand, even for Daniel, who had angels to help him. Several times, he had to be strengthened by the messengers. He says, “I heard, but I did not understand.”  Me too, Daniel!

Daniel 10. Daniel is still staggering from the first set of visions. He is mourning and eating minimally when he sees another angel described with a face like lightning, eyes like flaming torches, arms and legs gleaming like polished bronze, and a voice like the sounds of multitudes. Without strength, Daniel falls to the ground, face down, in deep sleep. Then, a hand touches him and sets him on his hands and knees.  “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you and stand upright, for I have been sent to you.”

The angel continues that from the first day (21 days earlier) that Daniel humbled himself before God, he was heard, and the angel was sent. However, spiritual warfare hindered him until the archangel Michael came to help, and he was released to go to Daniel. 

Again, Daniel became weak, and the angel had to strengthen him.  “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.”  The angel then says he will tell Daniel “what is inscribed in the book of truth,” but then he must return to fight that spiritual battle with Michael (assuring that the king fulfills his purpose in decreeing Israel’s return.)

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Daniel 11.  This prophecy goes from the history of spiritual conflict in Israel to the tribulation when Michael aids in fully delivering Israel (12:1) and looks ahead to the final Antichrist. (whew!)   

Verses 2-35 show the fulfillment of the Persian kingdom (the fourth king is Xerxes or Ahasuerus from the book of Esther) and the reign of Greece (Alexander the Great and 4 generals) through Antiochus Epiphanes. 

The king of the south (the Ptolemies of Egypt) and the king of the north (the Seleucids of Syria) fought for almost 200 years.  Antiochus IV’s armies crisscrossed the holy land in battle with Egypt several times and, on the way murdered Jews, took slaves, and desecrated the temple at one point by sacrificing a pig. (verses 28, 31)  Some Jews who “know their God” (verse 32) stood against him and took action, prevailed for a while, with some help from Rome, and then suffered intense persecution (verses 33-35). 

Verses 36-45 show the fulfillment of God’s prophetic plan of “Daniel’s 70th week” and the transition from Antiochus to Antichrist.  These verses show the character and activities of the Antichrist in the future time of the end.  Verse 45 says, “he shall come to his end, with none to help him” (Rev. 19:20).  (See all of this in Revelation 12, 13, 17, 20, and 21)

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Daniel 12.   Verse 1 flashes back to when the Antichrist rages during the Tribulation years. Again, the Archangel Michael protects Israel.  And there will be deliverance for Daniel’s people, “whose name is written down in the book (of the saved). Of those who have died, some will wake to everlasting life and shine like the brightness of the sky, and some will awake to shame and everlasting contempt.

At that point, Daniel is instructed to “seal the book until the time of the end.”  Then, Daniel saw another vision where a man asked how long it would be until the end. And the angel said that it would be for a time, times, and half a time. (the final 3.5 years of Daniel’s 70th week)

When Daniel asks what the outcome will be, he is told to “Go your way, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.”  But he IS told that MANY will be purified.  

“Go your way till the end. And you shall rest (soon die) and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of days.” (The Resurrection)

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(What a faithful, well-loved servant of God, taken as a young teen from his country to live and serve many pagan kings, speaking for God, never wavering, interceding for his people, and finally writing this end times prophecy that rivals The Revelation by John.)

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    Day 260 – Ezra 1 – 3 (The first of 3 waves of exiles returning, genealogies to prove their places and the priesthood)

As there were three waves of deportation FROM Israel, so there are three waves of return TO Jerusalem.  The book of Ezra chronicles the first (with Zerubbabel) and second (with Ezra himself). (Nehemiah later leads the third wave.)

Ezra 1.  In confirmation of Jeremiah’s prophecy and with the LORD stirring his spirit, King Cyrus of Persia proclaimed throughout his kingdom (even put it into writing) that the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem was to be rebuilt.  And whoever of the people of Israel who wanted to should go to rebuild it. He also told the neighbors around the returnees to assist them with silver, gold, goods, beasts, and freewill offerings.  (This kind of reminds me of when the Jews left Egypt.)

So, God stirred up the people, including the heads of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and Levites, to go “up” to Jerusalem to rebuild the house of the LORD, aided by all the goods their neighbors gave them. King Cyrus also brought out all the vessels from the Temple that King Nebuchadnezzar had stolen to be returned, putting the treasurer and the prince of Judah in charge of them.

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Ezra 2. And so Zerubbabel led out the exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried captive to Babylon. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town. The whole three-wave assembly, including the priests and Levites, as well as servants, singers, and those from Ezra’s and Nehemiah’s time and other tribes of Israel (10,777) who also returned (counted from the lists in Ezra 8 and Nehemiah 6), amounted to 50,000. 

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Ezra 3. After the people arrived, they were occupied with their own dwellings.  After that, they turned to build the altar of burnt offerings as per the Law of Moses. They offered burnt offerings to the LORD morning and evening “for fear was on them because of the peoples of the lands.”  They kept the Feast of Booths and offered monthly and daily (morning and evening) offerings to the Lord. 

Then they paid masons and carpenters and sent goods to the people of Tyre and Sidon to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea and to Joppa (according to the grant they had from King Cyrus).  The Levites who had returned supervised the work.  And they laid the foundation of the Temple. 

And they sang the songs of Thanksgiving ordered by King David and written by Asaph.  “For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel.”

The people sang and praised the LORD loudly because the foundation was built, but the old timers who remembered the glory of Solomon’s temple wept in equally loud voices, so no one could distinguish the sounds of joyful shouts from the people’s loud weeping.  “And the sound was heard far away.”

 

 

 

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