Meanwhile the sky was covered with dark clouds, the wind blew, and there was a heavy rainstorm. Ahab rode toward ¹  Jezreel.

He ¹  did not waver in unbelief about the promise of God but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.

Whenever Israel was strong militarily, they forced the Canaanites to do hard labor, but they never totally conquered them.

Jehoshaphat’s power kept increasing. He built fortresses and storage cities throughout Judah.

Jotham grew powerful because he was determined to please the Lord his God. ¹ 

but from my youth I raised the orphan ¹  like a father, and from my mother’s womb ²  I guided the widow! ³ 

Other seed fell on rock, ¹  and when it came up, it withered because it had no moisture.

It sprouted and became a vine, spreading low to the ground; ¹  its branches turning toward him, ²  its roots were under itself. ³  So it became a vine; it produced shoots and sent out branches.

But ¹  other seed fell on good soil and grew, ²  and it produced a hundred times as much grain.” ³  As he said this, ⁴  he called out, “The one who has ears to hear had better listen!” ⁵ 

And Jesus increased ¹  in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and with people.

By now a strong wind was blowing and the sea was getting rough.

Instead, they tried to row ¹  back to land, ²  but they were not able to do so ³  because the storm kept growing worse and worse. ⁴ 

In this way Jacob ¹  became extremely prosperous. He owned ²  large flocks, male and female servants, camels, and donkeys.

So God treated the midwives well, ¹  and the people multiplied and became very strong.

In his old age Samuel appointed his sons as judges over Israel.

Saul himself was in the thick of the battle; ¹  the archers ²  spotted him and wounded him severely.

David’s power grew steadily, for the Lord God ¹  who commands armies ²  was with him. ³ 

The battle was thick ¹  around Saul; the archers spotted him and wounded him. ² 

my anxiety intensified. ¹  As I thought about it, I became impatient. ²  Finally I spoke these words: ³ 

In the camp they resented ¹  Moses, and Aaron, the Lord’s holy priest. ²