They also attacked the tents of the herdsmen in charge of the livestock. They carried off many sheep and camels and then returned to Jerusalem.

There was a large number of burnt sacrifices, as well as fat from the peace offerings and drink offerings that accompanied the burnt sacrifices. So the service of the Lord’s temple was reinstituted.

When the Lord heard this, he was furious. A fire broke out against Jacob, and his anger flared up against Israel,

and also that everyone should eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all his toil, for these things are a gift from God.

For like the crackling of quick-burning thorns under a cooking pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This kind of folly also is useless.

Even when a fool walks along the road he lacks sense, and shows everyone what a fool he is.

The watchman replies, “Morning is coming, but then night. If you want to ask, ask; come back again.”

They will all be ashamed and embarrassed; those who fashion idols will all be humiliated.

Yet even then I will not completely destroy you,” says the Lord.

But as for me, my eye will not pity them nor will I spare them; I hereby repay them for what they have done.”

You engaged in prostitution with the Assyrians because your sexual desires were insatiable; you prostituted yourself with them and yet you were still not satisfied.

Then you multiplied your promiscuity to the land of merchants, Babylonia, but you were not satisfied there either.

I also gave them decrees which were not good and regulations by which they could not live.

“Yet even now,” the Lord says, “return to me with all your heart – with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your garments!”

Even on male and female servants I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

as are those of Hamath also, which adjoins Damascus, and Tyre and Sidon, though they consider themselves to be very wise.

“I do not know who has done this thing,” Abimelech replied. “Moreover, you did not tell me. I did not hear about it until today.”

That entire generation passed away; a new generation grew up that had not personally experienced the Lord’s presence or seen what he had done for Israel.

We have enough straw and grain for our donkeys, and there is enough food and wine for me, your female servant, and the young man who is with your servants. We lack nothing.”

The messenger replied, “Israel has fled from the Philistines! The army has suffered a great defeat! Your two sons, Hophni and Phineas, are dead! The ark of God has been captured!”