Goliath ¹  stood and called to Israel’s troops, ²  “Why do you come out to prepare for battle? Am I not the Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose ³  for yourselves a man so he may come down ⁴  to me!

He trains ¹  my hands for battle; ²  my arms can bend even the strongest bow. ³ 

When the king heard what the prophet ¹  cried out against the altar in Bethel, Jeroboam, standing at the altar, extended his hand ²  and ordered, ³  “Seize him!” The hand he had extended shriveled up ⁴  and he could not pull it back.

From Dan there were 28,600 men prepared for battle.

From Asher there were 40,000 warriors prepared for battle.

He ¹  draws near to the place of corruption, and his life to the messengers of death. ² 

For your arrows pierce ¹  me, and your hand presses me down. ² 

For I eat ashes as if they were bread, ¹  and mix my drink with my tears, ² 

Drink water from your own cistern and running water from your own well. ¹ 

A toss of a coin ¹  ends ²  disputes, and settles the issue ³  between strong opponents. ⁴ 

One of their own people will be their leader. Their ruler will come from their own number. ¹  I will invite him to approach me, and he will do so. ²  For no one would dare approach me on his own. ³  I, the Lord, affirm it! ⁴ 

Why should any living person ¹  complain when punished for his sins? ² 

“I ¹  will come to you in judgment. I will be quick to testify against those who practice divination, those who commit adultery, those who break promises, ²  and those who exploit workers, widows, and orphans, ³  who refuse to help ⁴  the immigrant ⁵  and in this way show they do not fear me,” says the Lord who rules over all.

I am speaking to thoughtful people. Consider what I say.

Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power.

They will summon peoples to the mountain, there they will sacrifice proper ¹  sacrifices; for they will enjoy ²  the abundance of the seas, and the hidden treasures of the shores. ³ 

In the letter he wrote: “Station Uriah in the thick of the battle and then withdraw from him so he will be cut down and killed.”

Then Elisha ¹  told the king of Israel, “Aim the bow.” ²  He did so, ³  and Elisha placed his hands on the king’s hands.

“Listen to me in silence, you coastlands! ¹  Let the nations find renewed strength! Let them approach and then speak; let us come together for debate! ² 

Approach me! Listen to this! From the very first I have not spoken in secret; when it happens, ¹  I am there.” So now, the sovereign Lord has sent me, accompanied by his spirit. ²