Is this really the kind of fasting I want? Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, bowing their heads like a reed and stretching out on sackcloth and ashes? Is this really what you call a fast, a day that is pleasing to the Lord?

and in the place of the boil there is a white swelling or a reddish white bright spot, he must show himself to the priest.

They must spread over them a scarlet cloth, and cover the same with a covering of fine leather; and they must insert its poles.

“They must spread a blue cloth on the gold altar, and cover it with a covering of fine leather; and they must insert its poles.

Then God met Balaam, who said to him, “I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered on each altar a bull and a ram.”

For the Lord your God is bringing you to a good land, a land of brooks, springs, and fountains flowing forth in valleys and hills,

If you build a new house, you must construct a guard rail around your roof to avoid being culpable in the event someone should fall from it.

But God said to me, ‘You must not build a temple to honor me, for you are a warrior and have spilled blood.’

One dead fly makes the perfumer’s ointment give off a rancid stench, so a little folly can outweigh much wisdom.

My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look! There he stands behind our wall, gazing through the window, peering through the lattice.

The Beloved to Her Lover: Until the dawn arrives and the shadows flee, turn, my beloved – be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountain gorges.

At that time every place where there had been a thousand vines worth a thousand shekels will be overrun with thorns and briers.

You will be a majestic crown in the hand of the Lord, a royal turban in the hand of your God.

Sharon will become a pasture for sheep, and the Valley of Achor a place where cattle graze; they will belong to my people, who seek me.

I will make you serve your enemies in a land that you know nothing about. For my anger is like a fire that will burn against you.”

I will make Rabbah a pasture for camels and Ammon a resting place for sheep. Then you will know that I am the Lord.

So I prophesied as I was commanded. There was a sound when I prophesied – I heard a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to bone.

I looked up and saw a man clothed in linen; around his waist was a belt made of gold from Upaz.

He gave them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field.

And he said to them, “It is written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are turning it into a den of robbers!”