He assembled the priests and Levites and ordered them, “Go out to the cities of Judah and collect the annual quota of silver from all Israel for repairs on the temple of your God. Be quick about it!” But the Levites delayed.

So his servants took him out of the chariot, put him in another chariot that he owned, and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. He was buried in the tombs of his ancestors; all the people of Judah and Jerusalem mourned Josiah.

So they provided money for the masons and carpenters, and food, beverages, and olive oil for the people of Sidon and Tyre, so that they would bring cedar timber from Lebanon to the seaport at Joppa, in accord with the edict of King Cyrus of Persia.

“Now you, Ezra, in keeping with the wisdom of your God which you possess, appoint judges and court officials who can arbitrate cases on behalf of all the people who are in Trans-Euphrates who know the laws of your God. Those who do not know this law should be taught.

So now, tell the people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem this: The Lord says, ‘I am preparing to bring disaster on you! I am making plans to punish you. So, every one of you, stop the evil things you have been doing. Correct the way you have been living and do what is right.’

Once the satraps, prefects, governors, and ministers of the king had gathered around, they saw that those men were physically unharmed by the fire. The hair of their heads was not singed, nor were their trousers damaged. Not even the smell of fire was to be found on them!

Now the beast was seized, and along with him the false prophet who had performed the signs on his behalf – signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. Both of them were thrown alive into the lake of fire burning with sulfur.

Then Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the Levitical priests, who carry the ark of the Lord’s covenant, and to all Israel’s elders.

He prayed, “O Lord, God of my master Abraham, guide me today. Be faithful to my master Abraham.

The warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care. He was in charge of whatever they were doing.

The wheels were constructed like chariot wheels; their crossbars, rims, spokes, and hubs were made of cast metal.

He did what the Lord approved, but not like David his father. He followed the example of his father Joash.

and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going out to examine them. Please excuse me.’

(for I have five brothers) to warn them so that they don’t come into this place of torment.’

nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

God exalted him to his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

Now may the God of endurance and comfort give you unity with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus,

Instead we speak the wisdom of God, hidden in a mystery, that God determined before the ages for our glory.

And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.