For in this earthly house ¹  we groan, because we desire to put on ²  our heavenly dwelling,

¹ who though he existed in the form of God ²  did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped,

On this topic we have much to say ¹  and it is difficult to explain, since you have become sluggish ²  in hearing.

They seek me day after day; they want to know my requirements, ¹  like a nation that does what is right and does not reject the law of their God. They ask me for just decrees; they want to be near God.

But now, Jeremiah, today I will set you free ¹  from the chains on your wrists. If you would like to come to Babylon with me, come along and I will take care of you. ²  But if you prefer not to come to Babylon with me, you are not required to do so. ³  You are free to go anywhere in the land you want to go. ⁴  Go wherever you choose.” ⁵ 

that I must go down ¹  and see if they are as wicked as the outcry suggests. ²  If not, ³  I want to know.”

So the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God ¹  to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. ² 

And Balaam said to the donkey, “You have made me look stupid; I wish ¹  there were a sword in my hand, for I would kill you right now.”

Esther replied, “If the king is so inclined, ¹  let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

The wicked man is so arrogant he always thinks, “God won’t hold me accountable; he doesn’t care.” ¹ 

His words are as smooth as butter, ¹  but he harbors animosity in his heart. ²  His words seem softer than oil, but they are really like sharp swords. ³ 

So I decided ¹  to discern the benefit of ²  wisdom and knowledge over ³  foolish behavior and ideas; ⁴  however, I concluded ⁵  that even ⁶  this endeavor ⁷  is like ⁸  trying to chase the wind! ⁹ 

who frustrates the omens of the empty talkers ¹  and humiliates ²  the omen readers, who overturns the counsel of the wise men ³  and makes their advice ⁴  seem foolish,

ל (Lamed) Neither the kings of the earth nor the people of the lands ¹  ever thought ²  that enemy or foe would enter the gates ³  of Jerusalem. ⁴ 

So now we consider the arrogant to be happy; indeed, those who practice evil are successful. ¹  In fact, those who challenge ²  God escape!’”

“What ¹  do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’

They ¹  tie up heavy loads, hard to carry, and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing even to lift a finger to move them.

Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and that he would send me more than twelve legions ¹  of angels right now?

Then ¹  he said to them, “What are these matters ²  you are discussing so intently ³  as you walk along?” And they stood still, looking sad.

And after Judas ¹  took the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. ²  Jesus said to him, ³  “What you are about to do, do quickly.”