He then ¹  told them a parable: ²  “The land of a certain rich man produced ³  an abundant crop,

I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the very last cent!” ¹ 

For the law brings wrath, because where there is no law there is no transgression ¹  either.

Indeed, he greatly missed all of you and was distressed because you heard that he had been ill.

This saying ¹  is trustworthy: “If someone aspires to the office of overseer, ²  he desires a good work.”

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, ¹  quarrels, and fights about the law, ²  because they are useless and empty.

Dear friend, ¹  you demonstrate faithfulness ²  by whatever you do for the brothers (even though they are strangers).

Then they must place on it all its implements with which they serve there – the trays, the meat forks, the shovels, the basins, and all the utensils of the altar – and they must spread on it a covering of fine leather, and then insert its poles. ¹ 

A putrid stench will replace the smell of spices, ¹  a rope will replace a belt, baldness will replace braided locks of hair, a sackcloth garment will replace a fine robe, and a prisoner’s brand will replace beauty.

They will steal your wealth and loot your merchandise. They will tear down your walls and destroy your luxurious ¹  homes. Your stones, your trees, and your soil he will throw ²  into the water. ³ 

Then Abraham ran to the herd and chose a fine, tender calf, and gave it to a servant, ¹  who quickly prepared it. ² 

Then Rachel and Leah replied to him, “Do we still have any portion or inheritance ¹  in our father’s house?

Let me please cross over to see the good land on the other side of the Jordan River – this good hill country and the Lebanon!” ¹ 

The old man said, “Everything is just fine! ¹  I will take care of all your needs. But don’t spend the night in the town square.”

O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet ¹  as well as jewelry, who put gold jewelry on your clothes.

ten calves fattened in the stall, ¹  twenty calves from the pasture, and a hundred sheep, not to mention rams, gazelles, deer, and well-fed birds.

(Hiram’s fleet, which carried gold from Ophir, also brought from Ophir a very large quantity of fine timber and precious gems.

He said, “Why do you want to go see him today? It is not the new moon ¹  or the Sabbath.” She said, “Everything’s fine.” ² 

They did not neglect any detail of the king’s orders pertaining to the priests, Levites, and treasuries. ¹ 

(Huram’s ¹  servants, aided by Solomon’s servants, brought gold from Ophir, as well as ²  fine ³  timber and precious gems.